The hottest Chronic Disease Substack posts right now

The GOP wants to cut the number of NIH disease centers and add political oversight, but that won't fix deeper problems. Chronic diseases are a big issue, and the focus needs to shift towards prevention, not just treatment.
NIH spends a lot on traditional pharmaceutical research, but it often ignores integrative medicine, which could really help with chronic illnesses. More research into things like diet and lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
#PlanB suggests decentralizing research by creating many independent labs that can focus on local health needs. It prioritizes prevention and transparency, aiming to better address the long-term health problems facing the country.

Many people think natural things are always good, but that's not true. Some natural things can be harmful, like germs that cause diseases.
It's important to rely on science rather than just the appeal of nature. Some human-made medicines save lives, even when natural solutions sound better.
We need policies that look at the real issues affecting health, not just ones that follow popular but incorrect ideas about nature. Ignoring the complexities can lead to more health problems.

The new Dietary Guidelines may suggest eating less meat, poultry, and eggs for everyone. This change could encourage more consumption of beans, peas, and lentils.
Changing the guidelines is important because they influence what food programs, like school lunches, serve. The guidelines can also impact health issues like obesity and diabetes in children.
There seems to be a long-standing bias against animal foods in these guidelines, with a focus on vegetarian and vegan diets despite concerns about nutrient deficiencies from those diets.

Eating well is really important for health. A better diet can help reduce the risk of diseases and save money on healthcare.
Staying active helps improve overall health, but many people find it difficult due to challenges like unsafe neighborhoods or busy schedules. People need safe spaces and support to exercise.
Reducing substance use, like smoking and excessive drinking, is crucial for health. Public health efforts have made progress, but more work is needed to keep improving.

Ozempic, a GLP-1 agonist, is being hyped as a solution to obesity, but it may not address the real issues of metabolic health in America.
Ozempic, despite its weight loss claims, may result in serious side effects, including muscle and bone loss, gastrointestinal events, and more.
The push to fund drugs like Ozempic with taxpayer money raises concerns about cost, corruption, and missed opportunities to address root causes of health issues.

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Junk food is now being labeled as 'ultra-processed' by some nutrition experts.
The classification of ultra-processed foods is controversial due to its subjective nature and potential biases.
The scientific evidence on ultra-processed foods and their impact on health is still inconclusive and lacks long-term studies.

Obesity being labeled as a chronic disease like asthma and type 2 diabetes is misleading and harmful.
The weight loss industry benefits from portraying obesity as a disease, pushing for lifelong treatments like expensive drugs.
The enmeshment of the weight loss industry in healthcare can lead to misinformation and harm, as well-meaning healthcare practitioners get caught up in it.

Obesity is a complex chronic disease that needs to be treated seriously.
New weight loss drugs are effective and show promising results, but they are costly and come with side effects.
It's important to consider a variety of evidence-based solutions, including lifestyle interventions, in tackling the obesity epidemic.

Government scientists were conducting research to make bugs more deadly and contagious, potentially contributing to the increase in Lyme disease cases.
There is evidence suggesting that Lyme disease may have an unnatural origin related to bioweapons research programs.
There are challenges in addressing chronic Lyme disease, with issues surrounding testing, treatment, and the development of effective vaccines.

The FDA needs major changes to work better for public health. This involves improving transparency, reducing conflicts of interest, and focusing on its core mission of safety.
A complete reorganization could help the FDA better respond to health issues in America and support local farmers while reducing the influence of big corporations.
Revising laws and regulations can help increase the FDA's efficiency, making sure it promotes innovation in medicine while keeping the public safe from harmful products.