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Why Owl Post covers Health & Fitness

Health and fitness coverage is dominated by fad protocols, supplement marketing dressed as research, and wellness influencers who swap their recommendations when the sponsorship changes.

The durable signal in this space is boring by comparison: strength training keeps appearing in longevity research, consistent sleep keeps outperforming sleep hacks, walking keeps showing up as underrated. Owl Post reads the actual research behind these claims, evaluates how solid the study design is, and surfaces what is holding up across independent replications versus what is one viral study away from being overturned.

Read the full Health & Fitness briefing

The beat covers exercise science (strength, cardio, mobility, and the research on optimal protocols), nutrition (what the evidence actually shows about diet patterns, not whatever is trending), sleep and recovery, mental health and its intersection with physical practice, and the broader wellness industry, including how to evaluate claims critically. Owl Post reads peer-reviewed research, follows the scientists and physicians doing serious work, and reads the publications that hold their reporting to an evidence standard.

Your digest adapts to how you engage with health information. If you want the science explained at the mechanism level, with the study quality assessed, that framing is available. If you want the practical implementation angle, focused on what to actually change based on the evidence, that works too. Either way, the sourcing is from people and institutions that cite their work.

A daily health and fitness digest. What the research actually shows, applied to how you actually live. The goal is not more information about wellness. It is better information, filtered by people who read the studies and know how to evaluate them.

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GLP-1s Like Ozempic, Wegovy Linked to Surprising Drop in Violent Behavior

GLP-1s may help reduce impulsivity, alcohol intake, and violent behaviors in adults. Image Credit: munro/gettyimages A recent study found that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may help lower impulsive and violent behaviors. The researchers noted that higher impulsivity and alcohol use were significantly associated with violent behavior overall, but were weaker among those using GLP-1s. The findings suggest additional mental health benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond alcohol use and addiction. GLP-1 medications have been shown to have many benefits in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. This class of drugs has also been found to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. There are psychological benefits as well, such as reduced “food noise” and cravings for alcohol and other substances. Now, a new study found that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may also help reduce violent behavior among adults. The researchers found that higher levels of alcohol use and impulsivity were associated with violent behavior overall. However, the behaviors were weaker among GLP-1 users. The results were published on June 17 in Criminology. Lead study author Daniel Semenza, PhD, director of research at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center and an associate professor at Rutgers University, explained that the study was not designed to identify the biological mechanisms driving the relationship between GLP-1 use and violent behavior. “We can’t say with certainty why these associations emerged in this paper,” Semenza told Healthline. “However, growing research suggests that GLP-1 medications may influence things like reward processing and impulse control. One interpretation is that GLP-1 medications may weaken the extent to which established risk factors like impulsivity translate into harmful behavior. However, this is a hypothesis that requires further investigation,” he said. GLP-1s may reduce impulsivity, violent behaviors The researchers analyzed data f

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GLP-1s Like Ozempic, Wegovy Linked to Surprising Drop in Violent Behavior
Want to Slow Your Aging? Multivitamins, Diet, and Fitness May Help

Want to Slow Your Aging? Multivitamins, Diet, and Fitness May Help

Studies show that diet, fitness, and multivitamins may help slow the aging process. Image Credit: Maria Sher/Stocksy Research suggests that taking a multivitamin every day may help slow the signs of biological aging. A recent study found that higher midlife cardiorespiratory fitness levels may be associated with a longer life span. According to new research, short-term dietary changes may help lower the gap between biological age and chronological age in older adults. Diet, lifestyle factors, and physical activity levels may help you live longer. Research suggests that a higher level of midlife cardiorespiratory fitness may help you live longer. Frequent aerobic exercise may also slow down the onset of numerous health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Another recent study found that daily multivitamins may help slow biological aging, the deterioration of the body at the cellular level. This compares with the body’s chronological age, the time that has passed since birth. Additionally, an article published in Aging Cell in April suggested that some short-term dietary changes may affect biological aging. Focusing on a diet rich in plant-based foods may be particularly beneficial. “Although everyone ages over time, there may be simple ways to delay the aging process and help us live not only longer but also better,” Sidong Li, MD, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, told Healthline in a previous interview. Daily multivitamins help slow biological aging A 2026 study involving 958 older adults assessed the potential benefits of taking a multivitamin daily for 2 years. It used “epigenetic clocks” to measure biological aging after participants took Centrum Silver multivitamins and 500 milligrams (mg) of cocoa flavanols per day for 24 months. Epigenetic clocks are assessment tools that measure chemical changes to DNA. The study found that those who took the multivitamins ex

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Can GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Give Athletes an Unfair Advantage?

Can GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Give Athletes an Unfair Advantage?

GLP-1 drugs can provide benefits that may boost an athlete’s performance, but do these medications give them the competitive edge? Getty Images/The Good Brigade Debates are emerging over whether GLP-1 drugs boost athletic performance. However, experts say the loss of lean mass associated with using these drugs may cancel out any competitive advantages. They say it’s essential to consider the legitimate medical uses of these medications before setting policy. More data is needed before sports organizations can make a decision that protects both athletes and sports. When do medications cross over from being about better health to providing an unfair boost to athletic performance? As more and more people, including well-known athletes like tennis champion Serena Williams, use popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro (her medication of choice), to lose weight and get back in shape, this question is being asked more frequently. “I’ve got more energy for my workouts,” Williams proclaims in advertising for tele-health company Ro, with Ro further adding that it “helped her get back to her strongest self.” But is that just adspeak? Or do GLP-1s actually give athletes a physical advantage over those who don’t use them? Williams herself told Women’s Health that, “Being on a GLP-1 definitely doesn’t take away from who I am as a professional athlete. “In fact, I am enjoying sports now more than ever. And my body feels good doing it,” she added, noting that she would “never take a shortcut to living a healthy life.” How GLP-1s may give athletes a performance boost Sergio Guiteau, MD, a board certified family and sports medicine physician and Medical Director at South Florida Advanced Rejuvenation, in Miramar, Florida, said that there are benefits to be had from GLP-1s, including improvements in insulin resistance and body fat composition, as well as weight loss. There can also be indirect improvements in energy, mood, and endurance, he noted. “While these improvements may not

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Can GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic Really Change Your Sense of Smell and Taste?

Some GLP-1 users report changes in their taste and smell, according to a new study. Tatsiana Volkava/Getty Images Researchers report that GLP-1 drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes may impair a person’s sense of taste and smell. Experts say taste and smell dysfunction doesn’t appear to be a common side effect of GLP-1s, which are widely prescribed for weight loss. The weight loss benefits of these medications likely outweigh any negative effects on smell and taste. GLP-1 medications prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes may affect a person’s sense of smell and taste, according to a new study. Researchers report that study participants who used GLP-1 drugs had a higher rate of disturbances in taste and smell than people who were only prescribed diabetes medications. They said the effects of GLP-1s on these sensory functions could be connected to the drugs’ absorption into a person’s nervous system. “This study suggests that GLP-1RA therapy is associated with a higher risk of smell and taste disturbance, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and greater public health awareness,” the study authors wrote. “Future research is required to validate these findings and to further explore the mechanisms underlying this association,” they added. The researchers published their findings on June 25 in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. Experts say that loss of smell or taste from GLP-1 medications doesn’t appear to be widespread. Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, said he hasn’t heard many concerns from his patients about taste or smell impairment. Ali wasn’t involved in the study. “I don’t think it should discourage people from taking these medications,” he told Healthline. “The trade-off of getting to a healthy weight far outweighs any changes to taste or smell.” GLP-1s linked to taste, smell dysfunction For their study, the researchers examined t

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Just 2 Hours of Strength Training May Lower Heart Disease Risk in Women

Research shows that 2 hours of weekly strength training may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Image Credit: COROIMAGE/Getty Images A new study suggests that women who do at least 2 hours of strength training per week have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings add that women who perform 150 minutes of weekly aerobic exercise and at least 2 hours of weekly strength training have a lower risk of heart attack. Strength training is considered highly beneficial both during and after menopause. There are many well-known benefits of strength training, including stronger bones and muscles, improved heart health, and decreased abdominal fat. A new study suggests that women who engage in more strength training during midlife and beyond have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who do not. The findings, published on June 17 in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology, show that heart health benefits increased when strength training was paired with aerobic exercise. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. This makes accessible prevention strategies even more important. “Beyond heart disease, resistance training uniquely addresses osteoporosis by improving bone mineral density at the femoral neck and lumbar spine, frailty due to muscle loss, and fall risk, which are all conditions that disproportionately affect postmenopausal women,” said Mary Greene, MD, board certified cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC. Greene wasn’t involved in the study. “This makes resistance training a particularly high-value intervention in this population, [as it addresses] multiple morbidities simultaneously.” Strength training lowers heart disease risk by 20% The study analyzed 117,025 females from the Nurses’ Health Study and Nurses’ Health Study II, with average baseline ages of 66.8 and 48.1 years, respectively. The researchers assessed strength training every 4 years, with arm and leg

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Chronic Pain? Melatonin May Provide Some Relief, Study Finds

Melatonin alleviated chronic pain about as effectively as over-the-counter painkillers, a new study found. Grace Cary/Getty Images A new study found melatonin eased chronic musculoskeletal pain about as effectively as over-the-counter painkillers. The benefit was clearest for chronic pain, but results for post-surgical pain were less clear, the study found. The study reported that melatonin is safe in the short term at low doses, defined as less than 3 months and less than 5 milligrams. Experts advise talking with a doctor before trying melatonin for pain, particularly if you don’t currently have trouble sleeping or take other medications. Poor sleep and pain often reinforce each other. Pain can make sleep harder to come by, and lost sleep can make pain feel more intense. Research has linked lost sleep to increased inflammation and a weakened pain-control system. That relationship is one reason researchers have begun studying whether melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, might also help manage pain. A study published June 30 in the journal PAIN found that melatonin supplements reduced chronic musculoskeletal pain with effects comparable to over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin. The research examined both chronic pain — pain lasting three months or longer — and acute, short-term pain following surgeries for conditions like knee and hip replacements, spinal procedures, and fractures. Here’s what they found. How melatonin helps ease chronic pain The researchers say that melatonin’s effects may depend on the type of pain. For chronic pain, the reduction was large enough to rival common painkillers. For post-surgical pain, the results were less clear. Lead study author Kangchao Wu, a PhD candidate, physiotherapy researcher, and faculty member at the University of Sydney’s School of Health Sciences, explained the two ways melatonin can help reduce pain. The first is in the makeup of the hormone itself. “Melatonin may have some in

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Creatine Supplements May Help Treat Depression, Early Evidence Shows

A large review suggests that creatine could help treat major depressive disorder (MDD), but evidence is mixed. ATHVisions/Getty Images A large review suggests that creatine could be an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, not all studies in the review found the same benefits for treating depression symptoms with creatine. Those with depression who would like to try creatine should continue with existing treatments, using it only as an add-on. Experts note that creatine supplements have an excellent safety profile when taken as directed. Lifestyle choices such as good sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress management can also protect brain health. Creatine monohydrate, a popular dietary supplement commonly used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to build muscle, could serve as an adjunct treatment for depression. A large systematic review explored the potential benefits of creatine for mental health. Researchers from the University of Ottawa and the University of Toronto analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted worldwide and found that creatine supplementation shows promise for improving symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). Their findings, however, are mixed, highlighting the need for further large-scale studies. The results were published in Brain Medicine on June 30. Depression affects around 332 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As the review authors highlight, many people experience only partial or no response to depression medications, making it essential to explore other treatment options. The authors say that creatine, known for its role in cellular energy metabolism, may help by providing an energy buffer for brain cells. This is particularly relevant, they add, because impaired energy metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction have been linked to depression. Evidence for creatine as depression treatment The researchers examined the effects of creatine monohydrate supple

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Louisiana Man Becomes First In Region to Be Functionally Cured of Sickle Cell Disease

A Louisiana man has become the first in the Gulf South to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease using gene therapy. Image Credit: Marti Sans/Stocksy Daniel Cressy of Louisiana has become the first person in the Gulf South to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease. The milestone highlights the growing promise of gene-editing therapies for the blood disorder, which disproportionately affects Black people. Cost, insurance approval, and limited access remain barriers for many eligible patients. A Louisiana man has become the first person in the state to be declared functionally cured of sickle cell disease after receiving the gene-editing therapy Casgevy, Manning Family Children’s Hospital announced on June 22. For Daniel Cressy, 23, the milestone marks the end of a more than two-year treatment journey. It also highlights the growing promise of CRISPR-based gene-editing treatments for people living with the blood disorder. Sickle cell disease (sickle cell anemia) affects more than 100,000 people in the United States, with Louisiana having the highest per capita rate of any state. The inherited disorder causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped, restricting blood flow and leading to painful vaso-occlusive crises, organ damage, stroke, infection, and other serious complications. It also disproportionately affects Black Americans. Casgevy is among the first CRISPR-based gene-editing therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat sickle cell disease by targeting the underlying cause of the condition rather than simply managing its symptoms. Daniel Cressy’s journey to a functional cure Diagnosed with sickle cell disease as an infant, Cressy spent much of his childhood in and out of hospitals because of painful sickle cell crises. At times, he was hospitalized between six and 12 times each year. Although his symptoms became more manageable during high school, the disease continued to shape his future. Cressy had long dreame

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Generic Mounjaro, Zepbound May Be Coming, Rivaling Current GLP-1s

Federal regulators have agreed to review a Swiss pharmaceutical company’s applications for two cheaper generic versions of Zepbound and Mounjaro. MK Photo/Alamy Stock Photo Federal regulators have agreed to review the applications from Swiss pharmaceutical company Sandoz for two cheaper generic versions of the tirzepatide medications Zepbound and Mounjaro. Eli Lilly’s patents on those two brand-name drugs are valid in the United States until 2036, but they are expiring in other countries. Experts say a less expensive version of these GLP-1 medications would give more people access to these effective weight-loss drugs. Some less expensive versions of the GLP-1 medications Mounjaro and Zepbound are now officially in the government approval pipeline. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to review two applications from Swiss manufacturer Sandoz to develop generic versions of those brand-name medications, both of which contain the active ingredient tirzepatide. The FDA hasn’t specified how long this process will take, but on its website, the agency states that it typically completes reviews of standard drug applications within 10 months. Sandoz has requested approval of their generic medications for the same uses as Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are manufactured by Eli Lilly. Mounjaro is approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is authorized as a treatment for obesity as well as sleep apnea. The Sandoz generic drugs would be taken as a weekly injection, just like Zepbound and Mounjaro. Both are intended to be prescribed along with a lifestyle plan that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. The generic medications are expected to be less expensive than Mounjaro and Zepbound. Those brand-name drugs can cost more than $1,000 per month if they aren’t covered by insurance. Sandoz estimates its product will cost between $200 and $400 per month without insurance. Generic medications tend to be cheaper because the pharmaceutical compan

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Statins Rarely Cause Severe Muscle Problems, Researchers Say

Statins Rarely Cause Severe Muscle Problems, Researchers Say

A large new study found that people taking statins are unlikely to develop serious muscle problems. Sol de Zuasnabar Brebbia/Getty Images New research reports that serious muscular disorders are rare for people who take statins to help lower cholesterol levels. Researchers say their findings are important because many people avoid taking statins out of fear of side effects like muscle aches. Experts say statins are an effective tool in lowering the risks of heart disease and stroke. The risk of serious muscle issues for people who take statins is extremely low, according to a large study. Researchers said less than 1% of people who took the commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication in a study had a 10-year risk of statin-related serious muscular disorders higher than 10%. The results of the study were published on June 25 in The Lancet Digital Health. The findings follow a February study that concluded that the risks of serious side effects from statins are low. Studies dispelling concerns over statin use are noteworthy considering that statins can help lower cholesterol levels by as much as 60%, and consequently reduce the risk of heart disease. Despite this, past research shows that less than half of the 50 million people in the United States who might benefit from statins actually take them. In addition, it’s estimated that as many as one-third of people prescribed statins never fill that prescription. The authors of the new study say that “widespread and often misattributed concerns” about statin side effects have led to “low statin uptake and poor adherence in individuals eligible for treatment, consequently leading to increased [cardiovascular disease] and related deaths.” “Clinical treatment decision making can be better informed by personalized risk information about treatment outcomes, including both benefits and harms,” the authors wrote. Yu-Ming Ni, MD, a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast

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5 Cups of Coffee Daily May Lower Your Liver Disease, Cancer Risk By 47%

Recent research has found that drinking coffee may help reduce your risk of liver disease and cancer. Image Credit: GNDphotography/Getty A recent study has shown that drinking coffee may help reduce your risk of liver disease and cancer. The researchers found that the more coffee you drink, the greater the potential protective effects. Using sugars or sweeteners in your coffee can slightly reduce the protective effects. It is still important to limit your intake of sugar, sweeteners, and highly processed coffee creamers. Your morning cup of coffee may be doing more than boosting your energy. New research suggests it might also help lower your risk of liver disease and liver cancer. The study, published July 1 in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that those protective effects increase with greater coffee consumption. Participants who drank five or more cups of coffee a day generally saw the greatest liver health benefits, including the largest reduction in liver cancer risk, though adding sugar or other sweeteners may slightly reduce those benefits. “The results from this study are not surprising since we have prior research suggesting coffee’s positive role in liver and cardiometabolic health,” said Michelle Routhenstein, preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished. Routhenstein wasn’t involved in the study. However, the findings show an association rather than proving that coffee directly prevents liver disease and cancer. More coffee was linked to greater liver health benefits The study analyzed 354,957 participants ranging in age from 40 to 69 from the UK Biobank who had no baseline cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers tracked cases of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver-related deaths among participants. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is permanently damaged or scarred. The scar tissue replaces healthy tissue, causing the liver to not function properly. An estimated 1 in 400 adults in the United States has cirrhos

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Heart Attack Risk 31% Lower for People with Strong Chest, Back Muscles

Research shows that stronger, better quality back and chest muscles may reduce the risk of a heart attack. Image Credit: minamoto images/Stocksy A recent study found that people with strong back and chest muscles may have a lower risk of heart attack. Researchers used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze heart scans of study participants. Muscle quality in these areas was also found to matter more than size for overall heart attack risk. People with stronger back and chest muscles may have a lower risk of heart attack, according to a new study that used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze heart scans. The study, published in Radiology on June 30, suggests that people with greater muscle density in their chest and back were less likely to have a heart attack and also less likely to die within a decade of a heart scan. “We think that [this] shows that the person has healthier muscles overall and is more likely to take part in exercise. This is evidence to support exercise being good for the heart,” Michelle Williams, PhD, Professor of Cardiovascular Imaging at the University of Edinburgh, and one of the study authors, told Healthline. This adds to a growing body of evidence showing that strength training, also known as resistance training, can improve cardiovascular health. In 2023, the American Heart Association (AHA) found that resistance training can not only help improve or maintain muscle mass but also reduce cardiovascular risk factors. The AHA also noted that strength training alone or in combination with aerobic exercise can improve both traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. How AI helped show muscle quality in study participants Around 350,000 people in the UK have a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scan each year. This is to identify narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, which can put a person at risk for a heart attack. The study used AI to analyze routine CCTA sca

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Losing Just 78 Minutes of Sleep a Night Over 6 Weeks May Lead to Weight Gain

A new study found that adults who slept about 78 fewer minutes each night for six weeks gained nearly a pound and became more sedentary, highlighting the important role sleep plays in maintaining a healthy weight. A woman lying on a bed. A new study suggests not getting enough sleep each night may lead to weight gain. Those who lost an average of 78 minutes of sleep per night gained almost 1 pound over 6 weeks. People who were short on sleep were also found to be more sedentary. Sleep deprivation can cause weight gain by altering hunger hormones. Getting good quality sleep is an important part of a healthy weight-management strategy. We all know that not getting enough sleep can leave us feeling groggy and out of sorts, but did you know it might also be quietly adding pounds to your body? A recent study conducted by researchers at Columbia University found that even a modest reduction in sleep — just an hour and a half less per night for six weeks — can cause noticeable weight gain and changes in the body. According to the study’s authors, these findings, published on July 7, 2026, in the Annals of Internal Medicine, highlight the role of sleep in managing weight, especially for those already at risk of heart and metabolic diseases. How researchers examined the relationship between sleep and weight To understand the connection between sleep and body weight, the researchers combined data from two clinical trials involving 95 adults ages 20 and older. These participants were all considered at elevated risk for heart and metabolic problems, but typically slept at least seven hours a night before the study began. The trials used a randomized crossover design, meaning each participant experienced two different sleep conditions over separate six-week periods. In one condition, called “adequate sleep” (AS), participants maintained their usual sleep habits, averaging seven or more hours of rest each night. In the other condition, known as “sleep restriction” (SR), participa

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These 10 Medications May Raise Your Risk of Heat-Related Illness

Certain medications, like GLP-1s, antidepressants, and beta-blockers, can increase your risk for heat-related illnesses. Image Credit: Evgeniya Pavlova/Getty Images Certain types of medications can make people more prone to heat-related illness. These include antidepressants, GLP-1 medications, and beta-blockers. They can cause dehydration, reduced sweating, and problems regulating temperature. It’s important to keep cool and drink plenty of water during hot weather, and if you experience symptoms of heat-related illness, seek medical help right away. July is often the hottest month of the year, with heatwaves becoming increasingly more common. Last year was the third-warmest July on record, with July 2024 being the hottest month ever recorded. While the summer sun and warmer temperatures are often enjoyable, for those who take certain medications, the warmer months may contribute to serious health issues. “[People] are all aware of the risks of overheating, dehydration, and sunburn. But [they] should all be more aware of how medications can cause intolerance to summer heat,” said David Cutler, MD, board certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medications can contribute to heat sensitivity in various ways, including: reduced sensations of thirst interference with thermoregulation impaired sweating reduced cardiac output electrolyte imbalance cognitive impairment Here are 10 common medications that can be affected by hotter weather, and some tips for staying safe. Antidepressants Certain types of antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can increase heat sensitivity. Heat sensitivity, or heat intolerance, occurs when you’re unable to regulate your body temperature effectively. “The most obvious effects of heat intolerance are seen in those taking medications which decrease sweat

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Young Adults Are Aging Faster, Which May Be Driving Higher Cancer Rates

Young adults appear to be aging faster than the previous generation, which could explain the rising early onset cancer rates. ZeynepKaya/Getty Images Researchers say younger generations appear to be aging faster than previous generations. They say the phenomenon may explain why certain cancers are rising drastically in young adults. The reasons for faster biological aging aren’t clear, but unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and exposure to carcinogens are likely factors. Younger generations are aging biologically faster than previous generations, which may have dire health consequences. A new study published in Nature Medicine on June 22 suggests that rapid cellular aging may explain why certain cancers have risen sharply in younger generations over the past decade. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis say that cancer can develop when genetic damage has accumulated in cells. When DNA is damaged, it can transmit flawed instructions, leading to malfunctions in cell division. That disruption can lead to cancer. This type of damage is commonly seen as people age. Ketan Thanki, MD, a colorectal surgeon specializing in benign and malignant disease of the colon, rectum, and anus at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in California, said the new research provides valuable information. “The study shows that using established markers of biological age, we have evidence that younger generations are aging faster than previous generations,” he told Healthline. “The study doesn’t pinpoint exactly why but points toward factors that research has been suggesting for years,” Thanki told Healthline. Why are young adults aging faster? The researchers cited a 2021 study that identified several factors contributing to faster biological aging. These included: obesity and metabolic dysfunction unhealthy diet prolonged sedentary time circadian disruption exposure to environmental chemicals However, the researchers noted t

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Heart Failure Gets a New Definition, Experts Say It Will Transform Care

A new definition for heart failure emphasizes earlier detection to improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. Halfpoint Images/Getty Images Global health experts have updated the definition and guidelines for heart failure. The experts, including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, say the guidelines were spurred by the rising prevalence of heart failure. The guidelines include a standard definition of heart failure, emphasize early detection, and discuss how heart failure can be effectively managed through appropriate interventions. Health experts in the United States and around the world have updated their guidelines for identifying and classifying heart failure. They say their goal is to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart failure. The update was sparked by the increase in heart failure prevalence, a condition now affecting more than 64 million adults worldwide. The increase is driven in part by aging populations and the rising rates of conditions that contribute to cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. The experts say the new document “details a consistent and comprehensive framework, emphasizing early detection and individualized risk reduction of heart failure.” In June, the “Second Universal Definition of Heart Failure” was published in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Circulation on June 18. The new definition was also published in the American College of Cardiology (ACC) journal JACC, the European Heart Journal, and the World Heart Federation’s journal Global Heart on June 29. The new guidelines reaffirm and update the First Universal Definition of Heart Failure, issued in April 2021. The updated document will serve as the foundation for the upcoming AHA/ACC Heart Failure Guideline, which is expected to be published in late 2027. “Heart failure remains a major challenge that continues to grow globally, and inconsistencies in how it is defin

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‘Spermmaxxing’: Social Media Influencers Are Monetizing Male Fertility Anxiety

‘Spermmaxxing’: Social Media Influencers Are Monetizing Male Fertility Anxiety

“Spermmaxxing” is the newest social media trend. Why are younger males so concerned with fertility? Image Credit: Irina Shatilova/Getty Images “Spermmaxxing” is one of the most recent social media “maxxing” trends. In this trend, men seek to increase their fertility through lifestyle changes and other approaches, such as eating raw garlic. “Maxxing” refers to maximizing almost anything and has become part of the broader trend in online culture. Social media is filled with trends that promise to help people “maximize” or “optimize” different aspects of their health and lives. From fibermaxxing to looksmaxxing and even ballmaxxing, there seems to be a “maxxing” trend for almost everything. The latest example is “spermmaxxing,” a trend centered on improving sperm count, fertility, and overall reproductive health. The trend has led some males to try unverified methods to “maximize” their sperm, such as eating raw garlic and even dipping their testicles in ice water. One particularly concerning recommendation promoted by some influencers is testicle tanning. Experts say the practice may actually reduce sperm counts and increase the risk of testicular tumors. Why are males, especially younger males, increasingly interested in optimizing their sperm health? Growing concerns about male fertility have become a popular topic in certain corners of social media. While research has found evidence of declining sperm counts over the past several decades, many influencers are packaging those concerns into content designed to drive engagement, sell supplements, or promote lifestyle programs. But while some influencers may be capitalizing on male fertility anxiety and promoting questionable advice, experts say the increased focus on reproductive health isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “I’m not going to dismiss this entirely. The underlying instinct that men should be paying attention to their reproductive health is actually correct. But the execution is often somewhere between ineffect

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What to Consider Before Taking Sunscreen Advice on Social Media

Misinformation about sunscreen on social media platforms like TikTok appears to attract more engagement, according to a new study. Image Credit: new study found that TikTok videos promoting misinformation about sunscreen tend to receive higher engagement. However, while some videos containing sunscreen misinformation garner more attention, a majority of sunscreen content on the platform is positive. Experts warn that even a small amount of misinformation can have serious consequences if it discourages people from using sunscreen. A new study suggests that misinformation about sunscreen on TikTok may receive disproportionate engagement, representing a small fraction of the platform’s sunscreen-related content, which is mostly positive. The findings, published June 18 in PLOS Digital Health, were based on an analysis of 971 TikTok videos. Researchers found that most videos promoted sunscreen use, while only 16 videos discouraged it or questioned its safety. However, posts containing sunscreen misinformation tended to generate higher engagement rates. “Social media tends to reward content that is provocative or challenges accepted advice, so claims that sunscreen is harmful or unnecessary are often going to generate more discussion than straightforward health messaging,” said Paul Banwell, a plastic and cosmetic surgeon and skin health expert in the United Kingdom who wasn’t involved in the study. Even so, Banwell noted that a relatively small amount of misleading content can sometimes attract outsized attention online, allowing myths about sunscreen to thrive. While this study only examined TikTok posts, sunscreen misinformation is prevalent across social media platforms. A spokesperson for TikTok told Healthline that the platform prohibits health-related misinformation, including inaccurate medical advice that discourages people from seeking appropriate medical care. Healthline spoke with Banwell about how to separate fact from fiction when viewing sunscreen content

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Taking a GLP-1 Like Ozempic? These Health Risks Are Higher in the Heat

Using GLP-1s may increase your risk of heat-related illnesses. Image Credit: Nora Carol Photography/Getty Images GLP-1 medications may increase heat-related risks by suppressing thirst and reducing fluid intake. Thirst reduction may lead to severe dehydration and even kidney damage. GLP-1 drugs may also lower blood pressure in some people, potentially leading to other heat-related issues in people with low blood pressure. People using GLP-1s also need to properly store their medications, as heat can damage them. Heat waves during the summer months are increasingly common. What does this mean for people using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro? GLP-1 medications may increase the risk of dehydration, particularly in hotter weather. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that severe dehydration from GLP-1 drugs may raise the risk of kidney injury and damage. Proper storage of these drugs is also important, as heat can damage the medication and render it ineffective. Clare Thompson, general practitioner and lead of the weight management services at Cadogan Clinic in the United Kingdom, advised extra precautions during hot weather for those taking GLP-1 drugs. Healthline spoke with Thompson about how taking GLP-1s may lead to dehydration and other heat-related illnesses, and how to properly store the medication during hot weather. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Why do GLP-1s raise the risk of heat-related illness? Thompson: GLP-1 medications suppress your natural thirst cues, which means you naturally drink less fluid. They can also delay stomach emptying and cause nausea, which may result in drinking less fluid GLP-1 medications seem to lower blood pressure in some patients, which can also make patients susceptible to dizzy spells and fainting. This is further compounded by the heat, which can cause you to sweat more and lose further fluids. This slight lowering of blood pressure can sometimes be beneficial in people with

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More Than 1 Drink a Day Linked to Health Risks, Clashing With U.S. Guidelines

New research found that health risks accelerate after 1 drink per day. Oleg Breslavtsev/Getty Images New research suggests alcohol-related health risks may begin at lower levels of drinking than previously thought. Researchers found no clear health benefit from even moderate alcohol consumption and concluded that both men and women should limit intake to no more than 1 drink per day. The findings add to growing evidence that any amount of drinking may carry long-term health risks. A major new analysis suggests alcohol-related health risks may begin at lower levels of drinking. Researchers found no clear health benefit from low-level alcohol consumption and concluded that both men and women should limit intake to no more than 1 drink per day. The study concludes that the risk of alcohol-related death begins at lower levels of consumption than previously suggested by federal guidelines. The research, published on June 8 in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, estimated that the risk of death and other health risks begins with relatively small quantities. Researchers concluded that current U.S. alcohol guidance should recommend no more than 1 drink per day for both males and females. The findings add to growing evidence that even moderate or socially accepted levels of drinking may carry long-term health risks, making individualized conversations about alcohol use increasingly important. The new report was previously commissioned under the Biden administration to help inform the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Some of the findings were published in 2025, but they did not include specific recommendations about the number of drinks per day. According to an editorial published alongside the study, the findings were not incorporated into the final guidelines released under the Trump administration. “Alcohol’s harmful effects on the body are well established, so these findings are not surprising. They reinforce the many biological pathways through which

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