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Up to 5 Cups of Coffee a Day Safe For Heart Health, According to AHA

The American Heart Association (AHA) states that up to 5 cups of black coffee a day is safe for most people. Image Credit: Filmstax/Getty The American Heart Association (AHA) published a statement confirming how much caffeinated coffee is safe to drink each day. Adding flavorings like sugar, cream, and syrups to coffee can cancel out coffee’s heart-health benefits, however. The statement noted that the higher levels of caffeine in energy drinks can be harmful to heart health. A growing body of evidence suggests that drinking coffee may have health benefits. But when it comes to heart health, how much coffee is safe to drink? On July 20, the American Heart Association (AHA) published a scientific statement outlining how much caffeinated black coffee is safe to drink each day. The authors say that for most people, up to 5 cups of coffee per day is beneficial. Added flavorings like sugar, cream, and flavored syrups, however, could cancel out the heart health benefits that black coffee provides. The statement also notes that higher caffeine levels in energy drinks can be harmful to heart health. “With each year, patients are becoming savvy with their health and nutrition and asking very important questions,” said Matthew Saybolt, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart Disease Program at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, who wasn’t involved in the scientific statement. “I am regularly asked about coffee intake as it pertains to cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease,” Saybolt told Healthline. “Physicians now have a scientific statement and the support of the AHA to give patients evidence-based guidance on the topic. And as a habitual coffee drinker myself, I am thrilled with the results.” 5 cups of daily coffee is safe for most adults This scientific statement was broadly intended to summarize the latest and best evidence regarding caffeine and various forms of cardiovascular disease, said Gregory M. Marcus, MD, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, and chair of the AHA’s scientific statement volunteer writing group. After reviewing the latest research, the statement group determined that consuming up to 400 mg of caffeinated coffee per day (about 5 cups) is safe for most adults. “For those that currently enjoy consuming caffeinated coffee or tea, they should be reassured that doing so is very likely not increasing their cardiovascular risk and may even have some benefits,” Marcus told Healthline. “However, those suffering from insomnia or premature ventricular contractions may consider at least experimenting with less caffeine or caffeine abstinence to determine if it helps,” he noted. How much coffee is in a cup? Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, explained that the statement defines a cup of coffee as an 8-ounce serving. “Most people don’t understand what an 8-ounce serving is,” Chen, who was not involved in this study, explained to Healthline. “For instance, I’m holding a cup of coffee in my hand right now, which is kind of the average Starbucks cup. This is 16 ounces, so really, this is two servings that I’m holding. But people think this is just one cup of coffee.” Sugars, flavorings may diminish benefits of coffee In the AHA’s statement, researchers report that drinking caffeinated black coffee may be associated with a lower risk of heart diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. However, scientists point out that coffee add-ins, such as sugar, cream, milk, and flavored syrups, may cancel out coffee’s potential health benefits. Saybolt said his dietary advice for coffee is the same as the dietary advice he gives all his patients — get off the sugar and cut down on dairy in parallel with a Mediterranean or plant-based diet. “I drink three to four cups of black coffee a day,” he explained. “For my coffee drinking patients, I would advise them to wean themselves off the dairy and sugar as well, to get the maximal health benefits of coffee.” Chen recommended gradually backing off on coffee flavorings. “Perhaps for the first week or two, one less pump of syrup, and then gradually reduce the amount of sugar, so that your taste buds have time to adjust,” he detailed. ”By the end of the process I would predict that you might actually start enjoying the taste of coffee rather than the taste of creamer and sugar.” Caffeinated energy drinks may be harmful to your heart The AHA’s statement also says that higher levels of caffeine in energy drinks and shots — sometimes as much as 4 times that of a cup of coffee — can increase a person’s risk of heart conditions like high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythm. “Coffee has many other chemicals, biologically active chemicals, besides caffeine,” Chen explained. “And it’s likely that some of these other chemicals are responsible for the health benefits of coffee. And so when we talk about caffeine, really, we’re talking about coffee intake.” “If we talk about caffeine intake from other sources, such as energy drinks or caffeine pills, for instance, it could be that without the other beneficial chemicals in coffee, you do not get the same health benefits,” he continued. “These energy drinks and caffeine pills frequently have extremely high levels of caffeine as well as other types of stimulants, which could actually be detrimental to heart health.”

1 hour ago

FDA May Ease Restrictions On Compounded Peptides Despite Safety Warnings

Photo taken on Aug. 23, 2021 shows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Silver Spring, Maryland, the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty Images) An FDA advisory panel is expected to vote on whether to allow seven types of peptides to be sold as compounded medications. Proponents describe wellness peptides as a “fountain of youth” that can promote healing from injury and improved overall wellness. Doctors say the safety and effectiveness of the peptides have not been adequately studied. An advisory panel for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will decide this week whether to loosen restrictions on seven peptides that proponents say can improve health and wellness. If restrictions are eased, the peptides could then be prepared and sold as compounded medications with a prescription by pharmacies in the United States. The advisory panel’s meeting is scheduled for July 23–24. Their recommendation would still need to be approved by FDA administrators. The seven peptides on the agenda are: TB-500 BPC-157 Semax Epitalon Emideltide KPV MOTs-C The peptides are being reviewed as potential treatments for conditions such as ulcerative colitis, wound healing, obesity, and migraine. Peptides have been promoted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has said he’s used the peptides in the past to help heal from injuries. Other proponents describe peptides marketed for wellness as a “fountain of youth” that can improve muscle mass and increase longevity, among other benefits. Katrin Svensson, PhD, an associate professor of pathology at Stanford University, urges caution as the FDA evaluates peptides. “I think it’s important to separate the promise of peptide therapeutics from the evidence supporting any individual peptide,” she told Healthline. “Peptides are a very promising class of drugs and several have transformed the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and obesity. However, that does not mean every peptide being marketed has been adequately studied.” “I don’t think the question is whether peptides are good or bad. The question is whether there is sufficient scientific evidence for each specific peptide,” Svensson added. Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon, bariatric medicine specialist, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, said making compounded versions of the peptides might provide the medical community with more information. “I think it might be a good idea to broaden the application of these medications so we have a better ability to evaluate them,” he told Healthline. Doctors concerned about safety of peptides Not everyone is convinced of the safety and effectiveness of peptides. A group of FDA scientists has posted documents raising concerns about the peptides’ safety and the lack of scientific review of the substances. Bert Mandelbaum, MD, a sports medicine specialist, orthopedic surgeon, and co-director of the Regenerative Orthobiologic Center at Cedars-Sinai Orthopedics in Los Angeles, told Healthline in a recent interview that so-called “wellness” peptides are neither safe nor effective. “This has nothing to do with wellness,” he said. “I would call it more of an uninformed fad. It’s worse than that — it’s criminal. The influencers, including RFK Jr., are abusing the system and not following the science.” David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, is also adamantly opposed to easing restrictions on these peptides. “There has never been a systematic study on the benefits and risks,” he told Healthline. “No one has looked at the adverse effects they might have on humans.” Svensson said the lack of information on these peptides is also her biggest issue. “My biggest concern is how little we know about many of these molecules,” she said. “For a large number of experimental peptides, there are very limited pharmacology and toxicology data. We often don’t know what happens with chronic administration, whether they accumulate in tissues or whether they have effects outside their intended target.” What to know about peptides Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as a signaling molecule that sends a message to the body to carry out certain functions. Most are administered by injection and have been touted as helping with injuries, muscle recovery, metabolism, and skin care. GLP-1 medications and insulin are peptides. The drugs are approved by the FDA as treatments for obesity and diabetes. There are compounded versions of GLP-1 medications, but FDA officials issued a warning in June about the safety of these drugs. They said these medications should only be used by patients whose medical needs cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug. The Biden administration placed restrictions in 2023 on 19 peptides, including the seven currently under consideration, moving them into a category that effectively prohibits compounding pharmacies from making them. There have been past studies showing the benefits of peptides, but most of that research has been conducted on animals, not humans. Ali said there are indications that certain peptides could be beneficial. “Some of them have shown promise to have broader applications to humans,” he said. He added that more research is needed into the peptides that are currently banned by the FDA. “We don’t the full extent of the risks, benefits, and side effects of these medications,” he said. Svensson agreed. “I think peptides have enormous therapeutic potential, but I also think they should be held to the same scientific standards as any other drug,” she said. “Being a naturally occurring peptide does not imply that it is effective or safe.” “These are biologically active compounds,” added Cutler. “As biological agents, they could be beneficial or they could be harmful.” What to use instead of peptides Mandelbaum said there are a variety of orthobiological compounds that have been proven safe and effective for supporting healing. He added that building in recovery time in your exercise regimen, as well as quality sleep, can also help prevent injury. Ali noted that anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can also be beneficial. He said that a patient should discuss any planned medication routine with their primary care physician. Cutler stressed that there are plenty of treatments that are “well established” and can be used while a person waits for the scientific evidence on these peptides. “They should want a scientific evaluation before putting anything in their body,” he said.

20 hours ago

An Avocado a Day May Help Keep Heart Disease at Bay, Study Finds

Research shows that eating an avocado a day may help reduce heart disease risk in people with obesity. Image Credit: Thai Liang Lim/Getty A recent study has found that eating an avocado a day may help lower the risk of heart disease in people with obesity. The researchers found that this was associated with lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, which are proteins that transport cholesterol through the body. Avocados can also provide various other health benefits, such as improving gut health. A study published June 12, 2026, in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that eating an avocado a day was associated with lower levels of LDL particles, a marker linked to heart disease risk, in people with obesity. Researchers estimated that the change was equivalent to about a 4 reduction in heart disease risk. However, adding a daily avocado did not lead to weight loss or reduced waist circumference. While experts say the findings are encouraging, they caution that avocados should be viewed as one part of an overall heart-healthy eating pattern rather than a standalone solution for reducing cardiovascular risk. Examining the effects of avocados on heart disease risk The study analyzed data from 786 adults ages 25 and older who participated in the 6-month Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial. Males were eligible for the study if their waist circumference was at least 40 inches. For females, their waist circumference had to be at least 35 inches. Half of the participants continued their usual diet and activity. The other half were instructed to eat one avocado each day while otherwise maintaining their usual diet and activity. In the original Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial, researchers found that adding avocado to the eating habits of people with obesity did not change their waist circumference or weight. However, it was associated with lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL particles vs. LDL cholesterol The current study looked at LDL particles, which differ from LDL cholesterol. LDL particles are proteins that transport cholesterol through the body. The risk posed by LDL particles is typically higher in people with abdominal obesity, the researchers noted. When there are more protein particles transporting LDL, it increases the risk of heart disease, even if the cholesterol levels remain the same. These particles can easily penetrate arterial walls and contribute to plaque buildup. Plaque can contribute to the risk of heart disease by restricting the amount of blood that can flow through the vessels and reducing the vessel’s flexibility. They found that regular avocado consumption was associated with a 49 nanomoles per liter reduction in LDL particles in the blood, equivalent to around a 4 reduction in heart disease risk. However, David Rhee, MD, board certified cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC, who was not involved in the study, advised that the estimated 4 reduction in heart disease risk should be taken with a “grain of salt.” “The researchers tracked more than a dozen biomarkers from start to finish, and the LDL-P was the only one in this ancillary study that met statistical significance, and the change was small,” he said. The researchers found the association was consistent regardless of participants’ sex, age, ethnicity, race, or body mass index (BMI). Still, experts say improving overall dietary habits is more important than relying on any single food to reduce heart disease risk. “I think these findings are encouraging because they highlight how small, sustainable dietary changes can support heart health,” Michelle Routhenstein, preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished, told Healthline. Other benefits of avocado Avocados can provide many health benefits when you make them a part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. According to Routhenstein: Avocados are rich in potassium, which helps support healthy blood pressure. Avocados are also a good source of fiber, which benefits both heart and gut health while promoting fullness. Their healthy fats also enhance the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as carotenoids from vegetables. Together, these nutrients help reduce inflammation, combat oxidative stress, and contribute to overall cardiometabolic health. Tips for incorporating avocado into your diet There are many ways you can incorporate avocados into your diet. Rhee suggested taking advantage of the soft consistency of avocado. He told Healthline that you can get the most benefit not just by adding it to your regular diet, but by using it as a substitute for something unhealthy. For example, you can add it to your toast instead of butter or to a sandwich instead of mayonnaise. Routhenstein agreed and added that you can add slices to salads, grain bowls, tacos, soups, or wraps in place of cheese or creamy dressings. “Rather than viewing avocado as a ‘superfood’ or a stand-alone solution, I see it as one nutrient-dense food that can contribute to a heart-healthy dietary pattern alongside other healthy lifestyle habits,” she said.

22 hours ago

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FDA OKs Lipfendra, a Groundbreaking New Pill to Lower Cholesterol

Lipfendra, a new once-daily pill for high cholesterol, can be taken instead of or alongside a statin. Iryna Veklich · Moment / Getty Images The FDA has approved Lipfendra, a new drug for adults with high LDL cholesterol. It is the first PCSK9 inhibitor in its class to come as a pill; the other three treatments require shots. Lipfendra can be taken instead of or alongside a statin to lower high LDL cholesterol. People with high cholesterol levels now have a new treatment option: a once-daily pill.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lipfendra (enlicitide) on July 16 to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol. LDL cholesterol — often called “bad” cholesterol — builds up in the arteries and raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and artery diseases, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Most people who need cholesterol medication start with a statin, according to the AHA. However, statins don’t always do the job on their own. How well people tolerate statins varies from person to person, and the highest tolerated dose isn’t always enough to lower their cholesterol to a safe level. That’s where drugs like Lipfendra come in. Lipfendra can be used in addition to or instead of a statin to lower LDL through a different mechanism. The trials leading to Lipfendra’s approval tested the drug in individuals taking statins. The prescribing info for the drug states that this PCSK9 inhibitor can be used as an adjunct therapy to diet and exercise to lower LDL cholesterol in adults with high blood pressure. Here’s why experts say the new pill could revolutionize treatment. Lipfendra: A once-daily pill for ‘bad’ cholesterol As a daily pill, Lipfendra provides those with high cholesterol an alternative to needles.“Being able to have an oral version of this medication is really important,” said Yu-Ming Ni, MD, a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA.“I have a lot of people who are hesitant to even start because they don’t want to give themselves injections,” Ni told Healthline. “Now you’ve got this oral version. It’s going to be a little bit easier for people to take a pill every day.”Because Lipfendra works differently from a statin, people can use both medications. Anurag Mehta, MD, a preventive cardiologist at Emory Healthcare and assistant professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, said the two drugs target “two different biological pathways” to reach “the same end result” — lower LDL cholesterol. For individuals whose statin isn’t enough on its own, “those patients would be candidates for this new medicine,” Mehta said. Lipfendra lowers LDL levels by nearly 60 Lipfendra’s approval rests on two trials that together enrolled more than 3,200 adults already taking the highest statin dose they could tolerate, the FDA said in a release. After 24 weeks, the drug lowered LDL cholesterol by about 56 in the main study and 59 in a second study focused on people with an inherited form of high cholesterol. Ni called the reductions “quite impressive.”The trials measured how much Lipfendra lowers cholesterol, not whether it prevents heart attack and stroke. A larger trial testing that question is still underway. The FDA told Healthline it accepts a drop in LDL-C as a validated stand-in for lower cardiovascular risk.Ni noted the distinction but pointed to the broader evidence.“We have tons of data showing that the lower the cholesterol you go, the lower your risk for heart disease,” he said.In the first trial, side effects occurred about as often as with a placebo. In the second trial, patients most often reported diarrhea and dizziness, the FDA release said. Ni said he prescribed Lipfendra to his first patient the day after it became available. He said the patient was already on a statin and needed more help but wanted nothing to do with injections. “He’s like, ‘that sounds great, because I don’t want to do any injections,’” Ni recalled. Lipfendra vs. other cholesterol treatments Statins and Lipfendra lower LDL cholesterol by different routes, which is why a doctor can prescribe them together. Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol the liver produces, while Lipfendra helps the liver remove more cholesterol from the blood. It does this by blocking a protein called PCSK9.Lipfendra is the fourth PCSK9 inhibitor to win FDA approval, and the first in pill form. The others are injections — evolocumab and alirocumab, typically given every two weeks at home, and inclisiran, administered twice a year in the clinic. All of them lower LDL cholesterol by 50 to 60, according to patient data. Mehta told Healthline that the choice comes down to personal preference.“What does the patient want?” Mehta said. “Are they comfortable with giving themselves an injection every two weeks? Do they want to come to the office and get a shot twice a year? Or do they just want to take a pill?” How much does Lipfendra cost? Lipfendra’s list price is 10.50 a day, or about 315 for a 30-day supply, according to a spokesperson for Merck, the drug’s manufacturer. The spokesperson told Healthline that most patients, including those on Medicare, will pay less out of pocket than the list price. The company said they also plan a coupon program for people with commercial insurance and a direct-to-patient option for eligible patients. How much patients actually pay will depend heavily on insurance. Merck said Lipfendra will reach pharmacies within weeks. High cholesterol impacts 1 in 4 adults The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 1 in 4 U.S. adults has high LDL cholesterol. High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, so many people don’t learn their level is high until a blood test reveals it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In March, the AHA, the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and nine other medical organizations updated their cholesterol guidelines to push for lower targets and earlier treatment.Under the updated goals: People at borderline or intermediate risk of a first heart attack or stroke should aim for an LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL. People at high risk should aim for below 70 mg/dL. People who already have cardiovascular disease and are at a high risk of heart attack or stroke should aim for below 55 mg/dL. “We are targeting numbers less than 55 milligrams per deciliter per the new cholesterol guidelines,” Mehta said, “and in those circumstances, the statin medications many times — even at the highest tolerable dose — are not enough.” Diet, lifestyle matters for cholesterol management Both doctors agreed that lifestyle comes first. “The biggest impact on cholesterol levels is diet,” Ni said. Mehta pointed to a Mediterranean diet which prioritizes: lean proteins like chicken, fish and legumes high fiber foods — fruits, vegetables and whole grains Cutting back on saturated and trans fats, found in red meat, full-fat dairy and deep-fried foods adding omega-3-rich foods like fish, which may help lower LDL Mehta recommended at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, plus strength training, for cholesterol management and overall health.

1 day ago

U.S. Military to Screen for Low Testosterone. Why Experts Are Concerned

The U.S. military will begin screening service members for testosterone deficiency to “optimize” health. Getty Images Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. military will begin annual screening for testosterone deficiency among service members ages 30 and older. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may benefit people with a confirmed deficiency, but there are risks, including impaired fertility. A single blood test cannot diagnose low testosterone; other symptoms must also be present. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. military will begin screening service members ages 30 and older for testosterone deficiency as part of their annual health assessments. In a video posted on X, Hegseth framed the initiative as a way to “optimize” health and combat readiness. “Under the supervision of our world-class medical professionals, war fighters age 30 and older are going to be tested annually as part of their periodic health assessment,” Hegseth said. Service members under 30 will be able to request testing voluntarily. Those who are diagnosed with low testosterone may be offered testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), although treatment is voluntary. Testosterone is an important sex hormone that helps regulate muscle mass, libido, mood, energy, and more. Levels tend to decline gradually with age, but low testosterone, which is clinically known as hypogonadism, can also result from a variety of factors, including injury, lifestyle, and disease. Hegseth said the program would help keep troops on the “leading edge of lethality” by supporting their physical and psychological readiness. However, experts interviewed by Healthline raised concerns about the program. “I do not believe routine testosterone screening of every service member beginning at age 30 is medically justified based on the evidence currently available,” said Philip Werthman, MD, board certified urologist, men’s health specialist, and director of the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal in Los Angeles. S. Adam Ramin, MD, board certified urologist, urologic oncologist, and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles, similarly cautioned that a testosterone blood test may offer little useful information when performed in younger men who do not have symptoms. “In men who are not exhibiting clinical signs and symptoms of low testosterone, and are under the age of 40, checking a blood test testosterone level may not be informative or required from a medical standpoint,” he said. Why is the military testing for low testosterone? Under the new policy, testosterone deficiency screening will be incorporated into an annual health visit known as a periodic health assessment for service members ages 30 and older. Testing will be optional for younger service members. If additional evaluation confirms testosterone deficiency, an individual can elect to receive TRT. Hegseth has said the goal is not to push testosterone above its natural range or use the hormone as a performance-enhancing drug. Instead, he described the program as an effort to protect longevity and ensure “the biological foundation to sustain the fight.” However, the specifics of the program, including what the screening protocol would entail were not clear from the announcement. Experts say those specifics matter, since a single low testosterone reading from a blood test is not sufficient to diagnose testosterone deficiency. “Making a diagnosis is not based on just one test,” said Lawrence Jenkins, MD, Associate Chair of Urology Director of Men’s Health at Tulane University School of Medicine. “It is based on two low levels plus symptoms. So, just doing one screening test is not going to meet any diagnosis criteria.” Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day and may also vary from one day to another. They are influenced by many lifestyle factors, including sleep, food intake, illness, medications, body weight, and physical activity. For military service members, the physical and psychological demands of training and deployment could temporarily suppress hormone levels. “An abnormal testosterone level obtained during deployment, sleep deprivation or severe training should not automatically lead to lifelong therapy. Repeat testing should generally occur after reversible factors have been addressed,” Werthman cautioned. Without a rigorous screening protocol, the program could potentially expose healthy service members to unnecessary treatment. But Ramin told Healthline that the right kind of screening, and not just relying on a blood test, might be appropriate. “If by testosterone screening we mean asking questions about symptoms of low testosterone and performing a physical exam, then the screening is indicated as part of a yearly men’s health examination,” Ramin said. “In patients who do exhibit symptoms or physical signs of low testosterone, then the blood test would be indicated.” TRT may impact fertility in younger service members TRT can improve symptoms in males who have consistently low testosterone. Possible symptoms of testosterone deficiency may include: reduced sexual desire erectile dysfunction decreased muscle mass fatigue reduced bone density infertility Many of these symptoms are nonspecific, meaning they can have causes unrelated to testosterone. However, the treatment also carries risks that require individual assessment and ongoing monitoring. For younger service members, experts said fertility is among the most pressing concerns. “My greatest concern in this young population is fertility,” Werthman said. “Exogenous testosterone suppresses normal sperm production and may result in infertility or prolonged subfertility. Many service members have not yet completed their families.” Fertility may recover after treatment is discontinued, but that process is not always predictable. “It’s recoverable sometimes, but not 100,” said Jenkins. For that reason, Werthman told Healthline that fertility counseling should be mandatory prior to treatment. Other serious risks of TRT include lowered HDL (“good”) cholesterol, acne, and sleep apnea. Since 2015, TRT has carried a warning about increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. However, in 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended removing that warning following the results of the TRAVERSE trial, a large randomized, placebo-controlled trial that found TRT was not associated with a higher rate of heart attack or stroke than placebo. Prostate health is another consideration. “While testosterone replacement does not cause development of prostate cancer, if a man already has prostate cancer and that man is placed on testosterone therapy, then his prostate cancer may grow faster,” Ramin said. “Therefore, it is important to perform prostate cancer screening in patients who are placed on testosterone replacement.” Does ‘high T’ improve combat performance? Testosterone plays a clear role in physical health. Experts told Healthline that identifying and treating it in service members who genuinely have the condition could help them function better. “There is good evidence that low testosterone leads to many suboptimal physical and psychological problems,” Ramin said. “These physical and psychological problems will directly affect the job performance of anyone, especially those in the military.” However, maintaining healthy testosterone levels is different from pursuing an unusually high level. More testosterone does not necessarily translate into better health or improved combat performance, particularly when a person’s levels are already typical. “There is evidence that testosterone can improve muscle mass and strength,” Werthman said. “However, there is far less evidence that routine population-wide screening and treatment of asymptomatic service members improves military readiness, combat effectiveness, or long-term health outcomes.” A successful screening program must be evaluated as a whole, including the number of true cases they identify, the potential for false or misleading results, treatment outcomes, costs, and unintended harms. Those concerns do not rule out targeted testing. A service member experiencing symptoms consistent with low testosterone should discuss them with a clinician, who can assess other possible causes and order properly timed laboratory tests when indicated. For the broader military program, experts said the central question is not whether testosterone matters to health. It is whether routinely testing every service member after age 30 produces meaningful benefits. “Before implementing a broad screening program, the government should demonstrate that it meaningfully improves readiness while outweighing the medical, reproductive, and ethical risks,” Werthman said.

1 day ago

How Going to the Movies and Museums May Help Slow Biological Aging

Research shows that regular cultural engagement can slow physiological aging in older adults. Image Credit: AzmanJaka/Getty A new study claims that older adults who regularly attend cultural events such as museums, movies, and theater tend to have a lower physiological age, meaning their bodies function younger than their years. Those who engaged culturally every few months or more had an average physiological age of about 3 years less than those with less participation, despite similar actual ages. There are various reasons cultural engagement may slow aging, including improved mental health. Cultural engagement, such as attending the cinema, theater, or a museum, has been shown to improve overall mental and social well-being in older adults. A study published on July 14 in the Journal of Epidemiology Community Health has added to the extensive body of research showing how impactful participating in the arts can be for people’s overall health and may help them live longer.Researchers at the Institute of Science, Tokyo, found that older adults who remained culturally engaged tended to have a lower physiological age, also known as biological age. In other words, the more people participated in cultural activities like museums, theatre, or movies, the younger their bodies appeared to function. How cultural engagement slows physiological age The team analyzed data from people 50 and older living in England, using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The study found people who took part in cultural activities at least once every few months had an average physiological age of about 66.9 years, compared with 69.9 years for those who engaged less often — a gap of roughly 3 years. Their actual ages were much closer together (68.7 versus 70.3), which means the more engaged group’s bodies were functioning younger than their birth dates would suggest. The researchers scored cultural engagement based on how often participants went to the cinema, museums or art galleries, and the theater, concerts, or the opera. The study identifies three ways cultural engagement might slow physiological aging: Strengthens social relationships Cultural activities often bring people together, and that community interaction helps build social ties. According to a 2019 British study, people who regularly engage in these activities face a lower risk of loneliness over time. Promotes healthier habits The study’s authors note that people who engage in cultural events are more likely to eat well and be physically active. Improves mental health Cultural engagement can help reduce psychological distress and support better overall mental well-being, the researchers report. They add that lower stress and distress levels are directly tied to slower physiological aging. Still, the study’s authors caution that these findings don’t prove cause and effect and said further research is needed. They acknowledge the possibility of reverse causation, meaning people who are already healthier and aging more slowly may simply have more energy and ability to participate in cultural activities in the first place. The researchers said the most engaged people were more likely to be females, have higher incomes, be employed, and be in better health to begin with. What is physiological age? Physiological age (PA) measures how well someone’s body is functioning, rather than just counting the years since they were born. Two people can be the same age on paper, but their bodies might be aging at very different speeds depending on their health. To determine someone’s PA, researchers used a method that combines health measurements from five body systems into a score. Here’s what each system measures: Heart and blood vessels: blood and pulse pressure readings Lungs: how much air a person can breathe out in one breath Blood: oxygen-carrying protein levels and a clotting-related protein Metabolism: blood sugar levels and cholesterol Muscles and bones: weight relative to height, hand grip strength, and walking speed A higher physiological age is linked to a greater risk of disease and death. A 2025 study using data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study, which tracks 20,000 people in America, found that physiological age predicts mortality in older adults more accurately than chronological age. Community arts programs improve health in older adults The findings align with research conducted in the United States. The 2006 “Creativity and Aging Study” found that community-based arts programs had “powerful positive intervention effects” on older adults’ health.Cultural institutions like the High Museum of Art in Atlanta create programming specifically for aging adults. Andrew Westover, the museum’s director of learning and civic engagement, said their Culture Collective programs are designed specifically for people 50 and over, “around the idea that people are always learning and growing.”“There [are] all of these ways that gathering at the museum, because of its unique characteristics, encourages people to keep growing and keep asking questions.”He told Healthline the museum aims to create spaces where “people’s brains are constantly tickled,” prompting them to be curious. That curiosity could look like participants in a screen printing or color theory workshop asking the instructor to show them how they executed a specific brush or, something more conceptual, like how the contrast of light and shadow can reflect a person’s life. “At one level, you’re talking about technique,” Westover said. “At one level, you’re talking about just visual acuity. But at another level, you’re talking about how do you think about your own life and mortality, and how do you talk about that with your friend in a way that isn’t supercharged?” “It’s an opening that lets you go as far as you want to, and you can always go further if you want to, but it’s not required. And I think that’s a really important part of these conversations, too,” he continued.Westover noted that the museum’s own research shows program participants “feel more connected to themselves, and more connected to one another, simply by coming to the program.”“People who come alone will say, ‘I felt more in sync with the people around me, even if I didn’t talk to them, because we were in this space where we were moving together,’” he said.

3 days ago

‘Early Bird Dinner’: Does the TikTok Sleep Hack Actually Work?

A popular TikTok trend suggests that eating dinner 4 to 5 hours before bed can improve sleep quality. Image credit: Olga Rolenko · Moment/Getty “Early-bird dinners” are a growing social media trend, with some TikTokers claiming that eating earlier can improve sleep quality. Experts agree that consuming the last meal of the day earlier in the evening may help with getting a better night’s rest. Eating dinner earlier may also offer additional benefits, such as reducing acid reflux and improving blood glucose levels. While early bird dinners are generally safe, experts advise that some people, such as those with diabetes, should consult a healthcare professional first. Influencers on TikTok and other social media platforms claim that eating dinner earlier can improve sleep quality and metabolic health. The trend claims that “early bird dinners,” which involve eating around 5:00 p.m. or 4 to 5 hours before bed, can help maximize deep sleep. Some proponents say that eating earlier may help reduce midnight cortisol spikes and eliminate morning acid reflux. But early bird dinners are not a new concept. The “early bird special” for those dining out before traditional hours has been around for decades. Does eating earlier have any real benefits for sleep or well-being? Healthline spoke with experts to learn more. Can early bird dinners improve sleep quality? The early-bird-dinner trend suggests that eating the last meal of the day around 4 to 5 hours before going to sleep may improve sleep quality for some people. Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry Sleep Medicine, said that eating dinner earlier may offer some tangible benefits. “This is a rare case where a TikTok trend actually aligns with basic human biology,” Dimitriu said. “Eating earlier improves sleep by reducing digestion while asleep, and minimizing acid reflux, both of which can be disruptive to a good night’s sleep.” Sarathi Bhattacharyya, MD, a pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist and the medical director of MemorialCare Sleep Disorders Center at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA, noted that eating or drinking later can disrupt sleep. “Caffeinated beverages can also lead to nighttime awakenings, often for trips to the restroom,” he said. Bhattacharyya recommended avoiding eating and drinking, especially caffeine or alcohol, at least 3 hours before bed. Are there other benefits to early bird dinners? Eating dinner early is widely regarded as safe and beneficial for digestion. Studies have explored other potential benefits of early-bird dinners. A 2021 study found that eating dinner at 6 p.m. rather than 9 p.m. improved blood glucose levels and substrate oxidation. Substrate oxidation is the burning of substrates such as carbohydrates and fats to produce energy for the body. A 2023 review supports this by suggesting that going to bed soon after eating can lead to a prolonged rise in blood sugar levels, potentially due to disruption during the transition from daytime feeding to nocturnal fasting. Eating dinner earlier may help to avoid this.Another study from 2023 examined the potential benefits of an earlier dinner time for heart health. It found that there was a 28 higher risk of cerebrovascular disease in people who ate their last meal of the day after 9 p.m., compared with those who ate their last meal before 8 p.m. The study also found that delaying the first meal of the day was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Some people who eat dinner late at night may be more likely to skip breakfast the following morning, which could therefore increase the risk of heart problems. Are there any downsides to eating dinner early? Eating your last meal 4 to 5 hours before bed is generally safe for most people, Dimitriu said. However, those with certain health conditions should consult with their doctor before making changes to their mealtimes. “People with diabetes or low blood sugar should consult a doctor first,” he said. “Heavy proteins disrupt sleep quality the most because they force the body to work when it should be resting. Alcohol markedly impacts sleep architecture, reducing deep sleep in the first half of the night and REM sleep in the morning, both essential to a good night’s rest,” Dmitriu explained. Other ways to improve sleep Many factors can affect sleep quality and duration. “Beyond timing, the most effective ways to improve sleep are maintaining a consistent schedule and keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet,” said Dimitriu. “Darkness is especially hard to get in the summer months, so either get blackout shades or an eye mask,” he added. Bhattacharyya said that late-night eating and inappropriate light exposure in the period leading up to bedtime are among the most common factors that can affect sleep. “Light exposure can suppress the body’s natural sleep drive and make it harder to fall or stay asleep,” said Bhattacharyya. “This light can come from cell phones, televisions, and computers or tablet screens.” Exercise may also help or hinder a good night’s sleep. “While light to moderate exercise may help promote sleep, mainly due to the body’s response to cool down after exercise, which can promote sleep through melatonin release, very intense or vigorous exercise may prevent sleep onset,” Bhattacharyya said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following to improve sleep quality: aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day keep the bedroom at a cool, comfortable temperature get plenty of exercise and physical activity avoid electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed consume a balanced diet If you’re concerned about the amount of sleep you’re getting, you might wish to reach out to a healthcare professional to determine a possible underlying cause. Keeping a sleep journal can also be beneficial. Speaking with a registered dietitian can also help create suitable eating plans — including meal times — based on individual circumstances.

4 days ago

GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic, Wegovy May Help With Binge Eating Disorder

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may help ease symptoms of binge eating disorder and related eating behaviors. Giselleflissak/Getty Images A new study found that GLP-1RAs could reduce key symptoms of binge eating disorder. These included binge eating severity, loss of control eating, and emotional eating. Experts say that GLP-1RAs could potentially augment existing treatments for binge eating disorder, like psychotherapy. However, you should always consult with an eating disorder specialist before using them. Additional research will be needed to establish the effectiveness of GLP-1s in treating disordered eating. New research suggests that a class of medications originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes and aid weight loss may also help reduce binge eating behaviors in people with obesity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have been widely prescribed for weight management. Now, their potential to ease symptoms of binge eating disorder (BED) related eating behaviors is coming into clearer focus. The study, published on July 15 in eClinical Medicine, shows that GLP-1RAs can lead to moderate reductions in binge eating severity, loss of control eating, and emotional eating. However, GLP-1 medications also appear to increase cognitive or dietary restraint, a form of conscious effort to control food intake. These findings offer hope for patients and healthcare providers seeking additional treatment options for binge eating symptoms, especially for people living with obesity. Analyzing effects of GLP-1 drugs on binge eating disorder To understand the effects of GLP-1RAs on binge eating behaviors, researchers undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis. This is a rigorous method that synthesizes evidence from multiple clinical trials to assess overall effectiveness. They searched major medical databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2005 and April 2026, the period during which GLP-1RAs have been in use. Trials were included if they compared any GLP-1RA medication to placebo or another active treatment and reported validated measures of binge eating or related eating behaviors, such as loss-of-control eating and disinhibited eating. Studies involving participants with severe physical illnesses like cancer were excluded to maintain comparability. A total of 25 RCTs met the criteria, enrolling 8,069 participants, about two-thirds of whom were female and the majority of whom identified as white. The median age was 47 years, and all participants were living with overweight or obesity. Only three studies specifically recruited individuals diagnosed with binge eating disorder, highlighting a current gap in targeted research. The most commonly studied GLP-1RA was liraglutide, followed by semaglutide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide, and several others. The interventions varied in dosage and duration, ranging from 6 weeks to 104 weeks. Most studies used a placebo as the control treatment, though a few compared GLP-1RAs with other medications or behavioral therapies. Researchers extracted data on changes in binge eating severity, loss of control eating, disinhibited eating, emotional eating, and cognitive or dietary restraint. These outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires, including the Binge Eating Scale (BES), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ). Statistical techniques were applied to calculate standardized mean differences, enabling comparison across studies with different scales. GLP-1s improve binge eating symptoms, other eating behaviors The analysis revealed that participants who received GLP-1RAs experienced consistent and moderate reductions in core binge eating symptoms compared to those who received a placebo or other comparators. Specifically, there was a small-to-moderate decrease in binge eating severity, with effect sizes indicating meaningful improvements across multiple studies. Loss of control eating — a hallmark of binge episodes — was also significantly reduced. Participants reported fewer episodes of feeling unable to control their eating, suggesting that GLP-1RAs may help restore a sense of control over food intake. In addition to reductions in binge-related behaviors, emotional eating — a tendency to eat in response to negative emotions — was moderately decreased among those treated with GLP-1RAs. This is important because emotional eating often contributes to overeating and weight gain. Additionally, the medications were associated with an increase in cognitive or dietary restraint, meaning participants reported a greater conscious effort to limit food intake. While this could reflect healthier self-regulation, the authors say that in some cases, increased restraint may be linked to disordered eating behaviors. The effects were generally larger in trials that included individuals diagnosed with binge eating disorder or specifically aimed to reduce binge eating. However, the majority of trials involved participants without formal eating disorder diagnoses, limiting the ability to generalize findings to all people with binge eating disorder. Researchers also highlighted that all included studies had either some concerns or a high risk of bias, often due to issues such as missing data or participant unblinding. Overall, the evidence points to GLP-1 receptor agonists as promising adjunctive treatments that can reduce binge eating symptoms and improve related eating behaviors in people living with obesity. However, the authors emphasize the need for longer-term studies and trials focused specifically on individuals with binge eating disorder to better understand the full benefits and potential risks of these medications. GLP-1s offer another treatment option for binge eating disorder Lauren Grawert, MD, clinical advisor of The Garden Recovery Wellness, said the results of this study are “promising.” She was not involved in the research. “Binge eating disorder has been identified as the most prevalent eating disorder,” Grawert told Healthline, “but unfortunately continues to cause problems for many people treated using established therapeutic methods.” If further studies confirm the benefits of these medications, they could provide an additional treatment option for those with binge eating disorder, especially those who have obesity, but they likely wouldn’t be used on their own. “The results of this study do not suggest GLP-1 receptor agonist medications should supplant evidence-based treatments for binge eating disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy,” she said, noting that this is currently the primary treatment method. Joel Jahraus, MD, vice president of Medical Services at Monte Nido Affiliates, who wasn’t part of the research team, added that it’s always best to speak with a healthcare provider before taking GLP-1RAs. If you have binge eating disorder, he advises speaking with an eating disorder treatment provider as well.“Many non-eating disorder treatment professionals don’t understand the difference between eating disorders and compulsive overeating and may prescribe GLP-1RAs without screening for BED or other eating disorders,” he told Healthline. The rapid weight loss seen with these medications could worsen binge behaviors. Jahraus explained the importance of an individual’s relationship with food during eating disorder treatment, stating that lack of appetite and increased restriction while using a GLP-1RA could have negative impacts on treatment. It could make it more difficult to meet nutritional needs and eating disorder treatment goals, he said. Finally, Jahraus emphasized that there is still much that scientists don’t know about the long-term effects of these medications. “Some eating disorder treatment professionals may prescribe GLP-1RA for BED, but more research is needed to fully determine their effectiveness,” he said.

4 days ago

Why GLP-1 Drugs May Raise Muscle Loss, Frailty Risk for People Over 65

A new report states that older adults using GLP-1 drugs may have a higher risk of loss of muscle mass, malnutrition, dehydration, and other frailty-associated conditions. Getty Images A new report states that older adults using GLP-1 drugs may have a higher risk of loss of muscle mass, malnutrition, and dehydration. However, the benefits of taking these drugs should be weighed against these risks when the medications are prescribed. The researchers say that GLP-1 drugs benefit older adults by promoting weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels, and improving heart health. The authors of a new report are urging doctors to keep a closer watch on older adults taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss or type 2 diabetes. The report states that adults ages 65 and older have a higher risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and loss of muscle mass while taking GLP-1 drugs containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. However, the researchers noted that frailty-associated conditions are uncommon with GLP-1 use and should not discourage the appropriate use of this class of medications. GLP-1 drugs containing tirzepatide, such as Zepbound and Mounjaro, help promote weight management, blood sugar regulation, heart health, sleep apnea, and more. Instead, the researchers encouraged doctors to more closely follow up with older adults who are taking GLP-1 medications. “These conditions are rare occurrences, and we should just be more aware of the issues for older adults,” said Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric medicine specialist and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California. “By no means does it mean we should not prescribe these medications to people over 65,” he told Healthline. Tirzepatide raised risk of frailty conditions in older adults The research was conducted by nference, an artificial intelligence platform that collects data for healthcare research. The study is currently under peer review and has not yet been published in a scientific journal. One study cohort consisted of 30,000 U.S. adults age 65 and older who were prescribed Zepbound for obesity, Reuters reported. Another group contained nearly 19,000 older adults receiving non-GLP-1 drugs for type 2 diabetes. The third cohort involved nearly 6,000 participants who had undergone weight-loss surgery. The researchers reported that the health records of those subjects indicated that less than 1 overall experienced declines in muscle mass and function. Less than 2 overall developed malnutrition, and about 3 experienced dehydration. Almost 5 reported a loss of appetite. However, the researchers reported that the risks associated with these conditions were significantly higher among participants taking Zepbound. The researchers said Zepbound users who developed malnutrition had a 25-fold higher risk of related death than tirzepatide users who did not develop malnutrition during an 18-month follow-up period. By comparison, the risk of death from malnutrition was only 7-fold for people prescribed other diabetes treatments and two-fold for those who had weight-loss surgery. In addition, Zepbound users who experienced dehydration had a 6-fold higher death risk compared to a 4-fold higher risk among people given other treatments and a 2.5-fold higher risk for those who underwent surgery. Zepbound users who experienced muscle mass loss had a 12-fold higher risk of death compared to 6-fold higher risk in people using other medications and a 2-fold higher risk among surgery patients. The researchers noted that the frailty conditions tended to appear among the Zepbound group after 6 months of treatment, suggesting that close follow-up is important. “[This was a] well-designed study showing concerns for frailty is important because frailty in older age is also predictive of mortality,” said Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, president of KAK Consulting and a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Wellness Preventive Medicine. “The study showed that risk was associated with level of weight loss while also highlighting other important factors such as malnutrition and dehydration. However, the paper did not show that tirzepatide was not safe and, as with many studies, limitations to the research did occur,” Kirkpatrick told Healthline. Kirkpatrick said the findings provide some caution for medical professionals when prescribing GLP-1 medications to older adults. “I think this depends on the individual and healthcare providers must weigh the risk versus the benefits given the overall health, lab data, dietary history, and contraindications,” she explained. More older adults using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss The number of adults in the United States who are taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss has hit a record high of 11, or around 40 million people. Adults 65 years and older who take weight-loss drugs also appear to be on the rise. For example, the number of Medicare Part D enrollees using Ozempic or Mounjaro rose from 200,000 in 2022 to 3 million in 2024. That usage is expected to continue its upward trend with the introduction of a new federal program on July 1. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge pilot project allows some Medicare recipients to purchase a limited number of GLP-1 medications at a guaranteed price of 50 per month. Benefits of GLP-1 medications for older adults The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 40 of U.S. adults 60 years and older can be diagnosed as obese. Obesity is classified as a long-term chronic condition that can increase a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports that GLP-1 drugs benefit older adults by promoting weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease, dementia, and some kinds of cancer. In addition, the AAMC states that GLP-1 drugs can reduce inflammation and improve brain health. The side effects from GLP-1 medications in older adults are similar to those in younger adults. Ali said the GLP-1 medications are useful for older adults because it is more difficult to lose weight as well as maintain muscle mass as you age. “It is tougher as you age to lose weight and these medications are very effective,” he said. Diet, exercise advice for older adults There are various ways older adults can improve and maintain their health. Kirkpatrick urges older patients to find a medical team that can tailor a diet and exercise program to their needs. In particular, she said older adults should look for a diet that is nutrient-dense, contains adequate protein and calories, and ensures high antioxidant intake. “If protein/calorie intake is already low, muscle loss is already significant from factors such as aging, then additional weight loss could lead to further frailty,” Kirkpatrick said. She also encourages older adults to work with their doctor to develop an effective, safe exercise program. Ali said the key to any weight management plan is to burn fat while maintaining muscle mass. He said a diet low in carbohydrates and sugars, while providing an adequate level of protein and vegetables, is ideal. He added that a regular exercise program of at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, is sufficient. He said a combination of aerobic and strength exercises is best. Ali noted that older adults don’t necessarily need a strenuous exercise regimen, just one that is consistent. He said GLP-1 medications can help, but smart lifestyle choices are still required. “You still have to make good food choices,” Ali said. “The medications can be used as a guide to get there.”

4 days ago

GLP-1 Drugs Like Wegovy, Mounjaro May Help With Binge Eating Disorder

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may help ease symptoms of binge eating disorder and related eating behaviors. Giselleflissak/Getty Images A new study found that GLP-1RAs could reduce key symptoms of binge eating disorder. These included binge eating severity, loss of control eating, and emotional eating. Experts say that GLP-1RAs could potentially augment existing BED treatments like psychotherapy. However, you should always consult with an eating disorder specialist before using them. Additional research will be needed to establish their effectiveness. New research suggests that a class of medications originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes and aid weight loss may also help reduce binge eating behaviors in individuals living with obesity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) like Ozempic and Wegovy have been widely prescribed for weight, but their potential to ease symptoms of binge eating disorder (BED) and related eating behaviors is now coming into clearer focus. The findings, published on July 15 in eClinical Medicine, show that GLP-1RAs can lead to moderate reductions in binge eating severity, loss of control eating, and emotional eating. However, these medications also appear to increase cognitive or dietary restraint, a form of conscious effort to control food intake. These findings offer hope for patients and healthcare providers seeking additional treatment options for binge eating symptoms, especially for people living with obesity. Analyzing effects of GLP-1 drugs on binge eating disorder To understand the effects of GLP-1RAs on binge eating behaviors, researchers undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis. This is a rigorous method that synthesizes evidence from multiple clinical trials to assess overall effectiveness. They searched major medical databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2005 and April 2026, the period during which GLP-1RAs have been in use. Trials were included if they compared any GLP-1RA medication to placebo or another active treatment and reported validated measures of binge eating or related eating behaviors, such as loss-of-control eating and disinhibited eating. Studies involving participants with severe physical illnesses like cancer were excluded to maintain comparability. A total of 25 RCTs met the criteria, enrolling 8,069 participants, about two-thirds of whom were female and the majority of whom identified as white. The median age was 47 years, and all participants were living with overweight or obesity. Only three studies specifically recruited individuals diagnosed with binge eating disorder, highlighting a current gap in targeted research. The most commonly studied GLP-1RA was liraglutide, followed by semaglutide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide, and several others. The interventions varied in dosage and duration, ranging from 6 weeks to 104 weeks. Most studies used a placebo as the control treatment, though a few compared GLP-1RAs with other medications or behavioral therapies. Researchers extracted data on changes in binge eating severity, loss of control eating, disinhibited eating, emotional eating, and cognitive or dietary restraint. These outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires, including the Binge Eating Scale (BES), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ). Statistical techniques were applied to calculate standardized mean differences, enabling comparison across studies with different scales. GLP-1s improve binge eating symptoms, other eating behaviors The analysis revealed that participants who received GLP-1RAs experienced consistent and moderate reductions in core binge eating symptoms compared to those who received a placebo or other comparators. Specifically, there was a small-to-moderate decrease in binge eating severity, with effect sizes indicating meaningful improvements across multiple studies. Loss of control eating — a hallmark of binge episodes — was also significantly reduced. Participants reported fewer episodes of feeling unable to control their eating, suggesting that GLP-1RAs may help restore a sense of control over food intake. In addition to reductions in binge-related behaviors, emotional eating — a tendency to eat in response to negative emotions — was moderately decreased among those treated with GLP-1RAs. This is important because emotional eating often contributes to overeating and weight gain. Additionally, the medications were associated with an increase in cognitive or dietary restraint, meaning participants reported a greater conscious effort to limit food intake. While this could reflect healthier self-regulation, the authors say that in some cases, increased restraint may be linked to disordered eating behaviors. The effects were generally larger in trials that included individuals diagnosed with binge eating disorder or specifically aimed to reduce binge eating. However, the majority of trials involved participants without formal eating disorder diagnoses, limiting the ability to generalize findings to all people with binge eating disorder. Researchers also highlighted that all included studies had either some concerns or a high risk of bias, often due to issues such as missing data or participant unblinding. Overall, the evidence points to GLP-1 receptor agonists as promising adjunctive treatments that can reduce binge eating symptoms and improve related eating behaviors in people living with obesity. However, the authors emphasize the need for longer-term studies and trials focused specifically on individuals with binge eating disorder to better understand the full benefits and potential risks of these medications. GLP-1s offer another treatment option for binge eating disorder Lauren Grawert, MD, clinical advisor of The Garden Recovery Wellness, said the results of this study are “promising.” She was not involved in the research. “Binge eating disorder has been identified as the most prevalent eating disorder,” Grawert told Healthline, “but unfortunately continues to cause problems for many people treated using established therapeutic methods.” If further studies confirm the benefits of these medications, they could provide an additional treatment option for those with binge eating disorder, especially those who have obesity, but they likely wouldn’t be used on their own. “The results of this study do not suggest GLP-1 receptor agonist medications should supplant evidence-based treatments for binge eating disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy,” she said, noting that this is currently the primary treatment method. Joel Jahraus, MD, vice president of Medical Services at Monte Nido Affiliates, who wasn’t part of the research team, added that it’s always best to speak with a healthcare provider before taking GLP-1RAs. If you have binge eating disorder, he advises speaking with an eating disorder treatment provider as well.“Many non-eating disorder treatment professionals don’t understand the difference between eating disorders and compulsive overeating and may prescribe GLP-1RAs without screening for BED or other eating disorders,” he told Healthline. The rapid weight loss seen with these medications could worsen binge behaviors. Jahraus explained the importance of an individual’s relationship with food during eating disorder treatment, stating that lack of appetite and increased restriction while using a GLP-1RA could have negative impacts on treatment. It could make it more difficult to meet nutritional needs and eating disorder treatment goals, he said. Finally, Jahraus emphasized that there is still much that scientists don’t know about the long-term effects of these medications. “Some eating disorder treatment professionals may prescribe GLP-1RA for BED, but more research is needed to fully determine their effectiveness,” he said.

4 days ago
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