Category: Health

• A recent study found that moderate daily coffee intake may help lower stress and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
• The findings indicate that coffee’s protective qualities may be more effective in men.
• In contrast, the researchers found that drinking large amounts of coffee each day may be associated with a higher risk of mood disorders.

Recent research has found that drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee each day may reduce your risk of stress, anxiety, and depression.

The researchers found an association between the amount of coffee a person drinks in a day and their risk of developing both stress and mood disorders.

The findings suggest that “a moderate intake of coffee might be beneficial for mental health,” according to the study, which was recently published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

This “J-shaped” association held across coffee types — ground, instant, and even decaffeinated.

“These findings are consistent with the pharmacologic effects of caffeine, in addition to the possible benefits of polyphenols in coffee,” said Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Dimitriu was not involved in the study.

“A moderate amount of coffee has the benefit of boosting mood, energy, and resilience to stress. Keep in mind that in most studies, a cup is considered an 8-oz cup, which typically has about 80 to 100 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. Do not interpret the results of this study to drink 2 to 3 20-oz cups per day,” he told Healthline.

Using data from the UK Biobank, the researchers analyzed information on 461,586 individuals who were all in good mental health at the start of the study period. The individuals were followed for an average of 13.4 years.

The research team used self-reported coffee intake to compare with future health diagnoses.

They found that there was a definite association between the amount of coffee a person drinks in a day and the individual risk of both stress and mood disorders.

“Moderate coffee intake, around 2 to 3 cups per day, may be linked with a slightly lower risk of mood and stress issues. That said, this is very individualized,” said Michelle Routhenstein, preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished. Routhenstein wasn’t involved in the study.

“For some people, it can feel supportive, while for others it can worsen anxiety, sleep, and mood. It is not a treatment and does not prevent mental health conditions, so I view coffee as a small, optional part of a healthy lifestyle and tailor it based on how each person responds,” she told Healthline.

The study showed that drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee daily was linked to the lowest risk of mental health conditions. This was compared with drinking no coffee or drinking more than 3 cups per day.

Drinking 5 or more cups of coffee each day was associated with a higher risk of mental health conditions.

These findings were consistent across various types of coffee. However, a high intake of 5 or more cups of ground coffee was associated with a significantly higher risk of mood disorders. Moderate intake of instant coffee showed a slight inverse association with stress disorders.

“Coffee consumption is a relatively small modifier to overall mental health effects when compared to your other ‘animal needs,’” Dimitriu said.

“It is far more essential to get enough sleep, exercise, eat a healthy diet, get time in nature, and get time with friends and family. If what you are feeling has been going on for a while and feels like too much too often, please speak with a professional,” he added.

Despite these promising benefits, the study does not show a causal relationship between coffee and mental health conditions. It only shows an association, which may warrant further investigation.

The researchers accounted for various factors contributing to the study’s outcomes, including age, education, exercise habits, and underlying health conditions.

They also looked at differences between sexes. The study found that the association between coffee intake and mood disorders was more pronounced in males.

The research team also found that the J-shaped pattern for stress disorders was more pronounced in those who were over the age of 60 and those who got 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day.

However, a person’s genetic capacity for metabolizing caffeine did not modify the association between coffee consumption and mental health outcomes.

Still, moderate coffee consumption may offer plenty of benefits. Ask your doctor or a mental health professional if drinking coffee could help improve your health.

• A recent clinical trial found that a centuries-old mind-body practice known as baduanjin helped lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
• Similar to qigong, baduanjin is a low impact movement practice emphasizing mindful breathing.
• Other mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, have shown potential for managing blood pressure.
• While larger studies on these effects are still needed, experts say mind-body practices help with stress management and complement first-line treatments for hypertension.

It’s no secret that mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation offer numerous health benefits, from improved strength and flexibility to reduced stress and better heart health.

The cardiovascular benefits of certain mind-body practices may even extend to blood pressure management.

A recent clinical trial found that an ancient mind-body practice known as baduanjin effectively lowered blood pressure in hypertensive practitioners.

Similar to qigong, baduanjin is a low impact wellness practice originating in China that incorporates slow, aerobic, and isometric movement patterns, mindful breathing, and awareness. The practice involves a standardized eight-movement sequence that takes about 10–15 minutes to perform.

The researchers who conducted the trial found that, compared with other forms of self-directed exercise, practicing baduanjin 5 days a week led to a reduction in systolic blood pressure at a 3-month follow-up that was sustained for a year.

These results are comparable to some first-line hypertension medications, the researchers say. The baduanjin regimen also yielded results similar, if not superior to, brisk walking. The findings were published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Accessible exercises like baduanjin, the researchers say, offer an alternative to gym memberships or exercises requiring specialized instruction or equipment.

“Given its simplicity, safety and ease at which one can maintain long-term adherence, baduanjin can be implemented as an effective, accessible and scalable lifestyle intervention for individuals trying to reduce their blood pressure,” senior study author Jing Li, MD, PhD, director of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases in Beijing, China, said in a statement.

Research on the cardiovascular benefits of mind-body practices is ongoing.

A 2023 meta-analysis suggests that qigong may offer cardiovascular benefits in people with metabolic syndrome, which can lead to high blood pressure. The authors say that qigong may offer an alternative exercise option, but note that more high quality studies are still needed.

“This meta-analysis found that qigong exercise appeared to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure,” said Cheng-Han Chen, MD, board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA.

Chen wasn’t involved in the study.

“This is a promising finding that should be investigated further, as high blood pressure is a known risk factor for heart disease,” he told Healthline.

Jing explained that baduanjin is a subtype of qigong that includes coordinated breathing and physical movement.

He told Healthline he started practicing baduanjin four years ago due to an illness, and the improvements in his health piqued his interest in studying the effects of this modality on blood pressure.

“Baduanjin integrates slow, rhythmic movements (including aerobic, flexibility, and isometric resistance training), deep breathing, and focused awareness to harmonize body and mind,” said Jing.

Jing explained that the combined physiologic and psychological effects of baduanin may contribute to the blood pressure-lowering results.

Despite limited evidence on the effects of qigong on cardiovascular health, the results of the baduanjin study on blood pressure seem promising.

“Our evidence supports doctors to recommend baduanjin for blood pressure management,” Jing said. “Since elevated blood pressure is the largest risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is reasonable to consider baduanjin improves overall heart health.”

A large body of evidence supports mind-body practices like yoga and meditation for overall health and well-being.

The benefits of yoga are well established, but lesser known are the effects the practice could have on hypertension, with limited studies requiring further investigation.

A 2025 review found that yoga may help lower blood pressure in people diagnosed with prehypertension or hypertension. However, the authors note that larger high quality studies are still needed to confirm these findings.

If you live with a cardiovascular condition or are at risk of developing one, ask your doctor which styles of yoga are best suited for your needs.

“Yoga likely helps with blood pressure by helping to control stress,” said Chen. “This lowers sympathetic nervous system stimulation and promotes parasympathetic nervous system tone, which then lowers blood pressure. Any yoga that is gentle and relaxing should help to lower blood pressure.”

A 2024 study found that mindful breathing for 15 minutes per day at a rate of 6 breaths per minute helped lower blood pressure in participants with hypertension, suggesting the practice could complement first-line treatments.

However, the effects were short-lived, and the study examined only the effects of a guided meditation exercise delivered via consumer wearable devices.

While larger studies on the effects of mindful breathing on hypertension are still needed, there is enough evidence to suggest a potential benefit if practiced regularly.

“Both mindful deep breathing and meditation likely help with blood pressure by helping to control stress,” said Chen.

“They can both be useful as parts of a long-term strategy to help control blood pressure. I advise all of my patients, and especially those with high blood pressure, to avoid stress as much as possible. Mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation can be very useful in helping patients to control their stress,” he said.

• Kim Kardashian has launched a new energy drink called Update.
• Instead of caffeine, the drink contains paraxanthine.
• Paraxanthine is a compound naturally produced by the body when it breaks down caffeine.

Kim Kardashian has launched a new energy drink called Update, which claims to have zero sugar, zero calories, and zero artificial flavors or colors.

The drink is also caffeine-free and is powered by paraxanthine, a compound the body naturally produces when it breaks down caffeine.

The promotional material for Update states that it “delivers smooth, steady energy without the jitters, crashes, or sleep disruption commonly associated with traditional energy drinks.”

The new drink doesn’t rely solely on paraxanthine for energy. Update contains other ingredients commonly found in energy drinks and supplements, including alpha-GPC, often marketed for cognitive performance, and sucralose, an artificial sweetener.

“It is important to speak to your healthcare provider about any supplement or energy beverage that you may be considering, even ones that are labeled ‘natural,’” said Jonathan Jennings, MD, board certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan.

“Appropriate dosing is still being investigated, so it is important to follow recommended ingestion amounts,” he told Healthline.

Avery Zenker, a registered dietitian at MyHealthTeam, said it’s important to prioritize a healthy lifestyle, quality sleep, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental hygiene, rather than rely on energy drinks for a boost.

Healthline spoke with experts about paraxanthine in Kim Kardashian’s energy drink to learn more about this caffeine-free alternative.

These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

Jennings: Paraxanthine is a breakdown product of caffeine. When you ingest caffeine, it is broken down in the liver into three metabolites that have different impacts on the body.

Paraxanthine is the predominant breakdown component of caffeine. Theobromine and theophylline are the other metabolites, and [are] associated with the uncomfortable side effects of caffeine such as anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeats.

Zenker: It’s tough to say which is “better” since there are numerous factors to consider. Both caffeine and paraxanthine have their pros and cons.

Caffeine might be the better choice for some people, while paraxanthine may be optimal for others. There’s more research on the health impacts of caffeine, as well as more anecdotal evidence.

Caffeine is more widely known due to its popularity in beverages around the world, such as coffee and tea. That said, paraxanthine has some promising emerging research.

Paraxanthine may have some advantages compared to caffeine, such as equivalent or even stronger energizing effects with [fewer] side effects. More research is needed to determine more conclusive differences between caffeine and paraxanthine.

Jennings: There are some preclinical studies that suggest that paraxanthine promotes alertness better and for longer periods of time than equal amounts of caffeine.

Rodent studies have also demonstrated less toxicity at higher doses when compared to caffeine.

Preliminary data suggest that the elimination of theobromine and theophylline may make paraxanthine more effective, better tolerated, and safer than caffeine.

Zenker: There’s significantly more data for the health impacts of caffeine than paraxanthine. Both caffeine and paraxanthine are nervous system stimulants, which promote wakefulness.

Research finds that both compounds produce similar effects on the nervous system, including increased blood pressure and adrenaline. They both block adenosine receptors, which is what makes you feel less tired.

Caffeine is known to have potential side effects, especially when consumed in excess, such as anxiety and elevated blood pressure, while paraxanthine may have [fewer] side effects. Paraxanthine may have some additional benefits on cognition and nervous system function that caffeine alone doesn’t exhibit.

Paraxanthine is one of the main compounds that’s created as caffeine is metabolized. Paraxanthine isn’t new, but it’s still not widely used in products as much as caffeine.

Jennings: L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. There is some evidence that when combined with caffeine, it may enhance cognitive performance, focus, and improve alertness.

Alpha-glycerylphosphorycholine ( A-GPC) is a compound essential in the production of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for nerve communication and muscle contraction. Supplementation with A-GPC is believed to assist with maintaining choline levels and aid in improving cognition.

Methylcobalamin is the more bioavailable form of [vitamin] B12, which is essential for the body’s protection of DNA, support of brain cells, and immune functioning. There is data that suggests this form of B12 offers support to the body for longer periods of time.

Zenker: L-theanine is known for its potential to improve attention and reduce anxiety, particularly when combined with caffeine. It has a calming effect that’s often described as relaxed yet alert. The dose of L-theanine matters, too. When the quantity of L-theanine isn’t listed on the label, it’s possible that it isn’t an effective quantity.

Alpha-GPC is a form of choline, which is an essential micronutrient involved in nervous system function. It is generally considered safe, but some research has linked high intakes to health risks like increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Side effects at typical doses are uncommon but can include headaches, acid reflux, nausea, or dizziness.

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin involved in energy production. Vitamin B12 helps the body convert the calories from food we eat into ATP, the body’s primary energy source.

It is important for nervous system function, energy production, and red blood cell synthesis. Vitamin B12 is often included in energy drinks at high doses. Vitamin B12 is more likely to lead to noticeable energy increases in people with low B12 but not those with baseline normal levels. Vitamin B12 in energy drinks isn’t known to cause an immediate energy boost, but could improve energy over time in those with baseline low levels.

Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, so excess intake is excreted through the urine and has a low risk of toxicity.

Jennings: All the supporting ingredients have preclinical evidence suggesting significant benefits for cognition and alertness compared to caffeine. However, there is a lack of quality outcome-based human clinical trials for paraxanthine and L-theanine.

Zenker: I’d first consider why you are looking for an energy drink in the first place. Having an energy drink once in a while is fine, but frequent reliance on them may suggest underlying issues to address.

Energy drinks may make you feel better short term, but they don’t undo the adverse health effects of poor sleep, an imbalanced diet, or lifestyle deficits. Ideally, we don’t need to rely on energy drinks to feel energized.

If you’re trying a new energy drink, start small. Don’t consume the whole thing quickly before you have time to assess how you feel. Individual tolerance to energy drinks can vary. Read the nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and content of active compounds like caffeine.

Not all energy drinks are created equal, so if you do choose to consume one, make sure it’s aligned with your health priorities.

• A recent study has found that eating the same meals each day could lead to greater weight loss.
• The findings suggest that consistent caloric intake helps with weight loss.
• The study doesn’t establish a cause-and-effect relationship, but it does show a correlation between having “go-to” foods, consistent calorie intake, and weight loss.

Having the same “go-to” meals and eating a consistent amount of calories each day may help people to lose more weight, according to a new study.

Participants who followed a routine eating pattern lost more weight during a 12-week behavioral weight loss program than those who followed a more varied diet.

“There’s compelling evidence to consider here that consistency and predictability in eating may help some individuals eat better and lose weight — but it’s important to note the limitations, including self-reported data, a highly structured program environment, and an observational study design,” said Kristin Kirkpatrick, registered dietitian at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine and president of KAK Consulting. Kirkpatrick was not involved in the study.

The study analyzed real-time, detailed food logs from 112 adults with overweight or obesity who were enrolled in a structured behavioral weight loss program.

The participants tracked everything they ate each day using a mobile app. They also had daily weigh-ins using a wireless scale. To ensure the data reflected consistent habits, the researchers focused on the first 12 weeks of the program. This is a period when people are generally the most engaged and accurate in tracking their food habits.

The researchers measured how routine each person’s diet was in two ways:

• caloric stability, or how daily calorie intake fluctuated from day to day and between weekdays and weekends
• dietary repetition, or how often individuals tracked the same meals and snacks over time

The research team found that individuals who repeated the same foods rather than eating a wide variety of foods lost an average of 5.9% of their body weight. This is compared with a 4.3% loss among those with a more varied diet.

“Consistency works best when the foundation is strong. If meals are nutrient-dense, they can reinforce high quality nutrition. But if they’re missing key nutrients, you may consistently fall short,” said Kirkpatrick.

“In the real world, with travel, stress, and changing schedules, that level of consistency isn’t always realistic without structure or support,” she said.

The study also found that greater consistency in calorie intake was associated with greater weight loss results. For every 100-calorie increase in daily fluctuation, individual weight loss decreased by around 0.6% during the study period.

The findings suggest that simplifying food choices may help individuals to build sustainable, healthy habits, even in challenging food environments. This might include rotating “go-to” meals and maintaining a steady calorie intake.

“Most people eat the same 20 to 30 foods repeatedly each week,” said David Cutler, MD, board certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. Cutler was not involved in the study.

“It is not surprising that successful weight controllers limit their food choices as well. And certainly, limiting those foods to healthier choices and recognizing their calorie contents will assist in losing weight,” Cutler told Healthline.

Despite the promising results, the study doesn’t show a cause-and-effect relationship, but rather a correlation. Factors such as motivation or self-discipline may also play a role in results.

Still, the findings suggest that when it comes to weight loss, consistency may be more important than variety.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), over 70% of adults in the United States have overweight or obesity.

Not every process will work the same for everyone. Ask your doctor about the best way to lose weight based on your circumstances and health status.

“The best place to start is with a truly personalized plan — ideally developed with a registered dietitian — that considers your preferences, labs, medications, genetics, and lifestyle,” said Kirkpatrick.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most effective plan is the one that works for you and your life,” she continued.

• Researchers say that small changes in sleep, diet, and exercise can have a substantial impact on heart health.
• They report that modest changes, such as 11 more minutes of sleep per night and 5 additional minutes of exercise per day, can lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
• Experts say the findings are encouraging for people who can only make small adjustments to their daily lifestyle routines.

Making small improvements in how much you sleep, what you eat, and how much you exercise can significantly reduce your risk of heart health issues, according to a new study.

Researchers report that people who get 11 more minutes of sleep, add 5 minutes of physical activity to their daily routine, and eat a quarter-cup more vegetables per day can lower their risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, by 10%.

They added that people who have an optimal combination of lifestyle behaviors that include 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night, 42 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day, and a moderate diet quality score have a 57% lower risk of major cardiovascular events compared to people with the least optimal health profile.

They noted that their research was an observational study, so it cannot establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship between lifestyle habits and cardiovascular events. They recommended conducting intervention trials to confirm their findings.

The researchers said their study could help people adopt simple lifestyle changes to improve heart health.

“We show that combining small changes in a few areas of our lives can have a surprisingly large positive impact on our cardiovascular health,” said Nicholas Koemel, the lead study author and a research fellow and dietitian at the University of Sydney in Australia, in a press release.

“This is very encouraging news because making a few small, combined changes is likely more achievable and sustainable for most people when compared with attempting major changes in a single behavior.”

In this study, researchers examined data from more than 53,000 participants in the UK Biobank. The median age of the subjects was 63 years and nearly 57% were male.

The Biobank data on sleep and exercise was gathered from wearable technology such as smartwatches. The information on diet was gleaned from self-reports from participants and measured on a 10-item diet quality score.

The researchers concluded that even “modest differences” in combined behavior levels “were associated with meaningful reductions” in the risks of major cardiovascular events.

Experts who weren’t involved in the study said the findings provide guidance for both individuals and medical professionals.

“This is an encouraging finding that reiterates the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in order to optimize our heart health,” said Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA.

“This is a very encouraging study because it shows that even small lifestyle changes can have a meaningful impact on heart health,” added Jennifer Wong, MD, a cardiologist and medical director of noninvasive cardiology at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA.

“Many people feel overwhelmed by the idea of completely changing their habits, but this research suggests that small, consistent improvements can still reduce cardiovascular risk,” she told Healthline. “These small changes help improve blood pressure, metabolism, inflammation, and overall heart function over time,” she said.

The researchers noted that sleep, diet, and exercise are usually studied independently, but they said that these “behaviors are uniquely interdependent and have bidirectional impacts on one another.”

The researchers explained that “poor sleep can disrupt the normal neurotransmission of appetite hormones, influencing food selection and driving an increase in total energy intake.”

They added that “physical activity may improve sleep quality, while poor sleep may limit functional capacity due to fatigue.”

“Diet quality is also interlinked, demonstrating a relationship with sleep onset and wake time as well as energy and regulation for normal physical activity,” the researchers wrote.

Chen agreed that looking at all aspects of lifestyle behavior is a productive approach.

“We already know that physical activity level, diet quality, and sleep quality are all important factors influencing our risk of cardiovascular disease,” he told Healthline. “While most research studies examine each factor in isolation, it is likely that there are synergistic benefits to improving multiple lifestyle factors at once.”

Madeline Sterling, MD, an internal medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine, echoed these sentiments.

“This study offers an important step forward in terms of how we think about optimizing cardiovascular health,” she told Healthline. “It offers a window into key behaviors – sleep, physical activity, and nutrition – and how these influence peoples’ progression toward disease.”

The American Heart Association (AHA) states that more than 940,000 people in the United States die each year from cardiovascular disease.

According to the AHA, heart disease kills more people in the United States than any other cause. The AHA reports that there are more heart disease deaths than from cancer and accidental deaths combined.

Past research has noted other risk factors for heart disease.

A 2025 study reported that even occasional smoking can increase cardiovascular risks by 50%.

A 2024 study listed inflammatory diets high in red meat, white flour, and sugar as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

In a 2026 study, researchers found that exposure to light during sleep is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

The AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 guidelines list eight ways to maintain good heart health. The lifestyle behaviors range from diet to exercise to sleep to cholesterol control to blood sugar levels.

In addition, experts say heart health is vital at every age.

A 2025 study reported that it’s even more important for adults 18 to 30 years of age to develop heart-healthy lifestyles to help prevent cardiovascular disease later in life.

Experts say there are many ways to help reduce heart disease risk.

Chen said that some people can make major changes in their daily lifestyle while others may need a slower, more incremental approach.

“While modest lifestyle changes do reduce cardiovascular risk, the study also showed that larger ‘optimal’ changes reduce risk even further,” he said. “For people who may be intimidated or discouraged by having to make many large changes in their lifestyle at once, I would encourage them to start with ‘baby steps,’ as some improvement is better than none.”

Wong agreed. “Bigger lifestyle changes will generally lead to greater health benefits, but what’s important here is that modest changes are still meaningful,” she said. “Small changes are often more sustainable, and they can be the first step toward larger improvements in long-term heart health.”

“My advice is to start small and stay consistent: Add a short daily walk, aim for slightly better sleep, and try to include more vegetables in your meals. Over time, these small habits build momentum and can significantly improve cardiovascular health,” Wong continued.

Sterling, who was the chair of an AHA committee that wrote a statement on Life’s Essential 8, follows a similar approach.

“As a primary care doctor, I like to talk to patients about their cardiovascular health in the context of their current conditions and risk factors, but also considering their priorities, life circumstances, family history, work, resources, and environment,” she explained.

“Nearly everyone can benefit from improving their health in some way and from lifestyle change. Small and steady progress across several behaviors can really make a difference,” Sterling said.

• The FDA has approved a higher dose version of the GLP-1 drug Wegovy for weight loss.
• The new dose is 7.2 milligrams per weekly injection, compared to the original 2.4 milligrams per week.
• A higher Wegovy dose could lead to greater weight loss, but it could come with side effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new, higher dose version of the weight loss drug Wegovy on March 19.

This new version, called Wegovy HD, will have a dosage of 7.2 milligrams, administered weekly by injection. Before the higher dose was approved, the weekly shot was 2.4 milligrams.

Novo Nordisk developed the higher dose because, while the 2.4 mg shot has been effective, “some individuals do not reach their therapeutic goals” at that dose, according to a 2025 trial.

“The new FDA is moving with unprecedented efficiency on products that advance national priorities,” said FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, MD, MPH said in a press release. “Today’s approval is another demonstration of what the FDA can accomplish when we try bold new things.”

During the STEP UP phase 3b trial in 2025, the higher 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy gave an average weight loss of 18.7%. Around 1 in 3 participants saw at least a 25% weight loss.

The FDA stated that the higher dose of Wegovy was supported by clinical data showing a safety profile consistent with the known side effects of semaglutide.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Meghan Garcia-Webb, MD, triple board certified in internal medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine. Garcia-Webb wasn’t involved in the trial.

“This has already been approved in the E.U. and the U.K. Overall, the safety data showed that serious adverse events were actually a little bit lower for the 7.2 mg group, but as always, we will have to see how this plays out in real clinical practice,” she told Healthline.

The most common side effects of Wegovy include gastrointestinal effects, such as:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• constipation
• vomiting
• abdominal pain

Reports of altered skin sensations, such as sensitivity, pain, or burning, occurred more frequently at higher doses of Wegovy.

However, these side effects generally resolve on their own or with a dose reduction.

“Many times patients will have a flare-up of side effects when they increase a dose that subsequently improves over the following weeks to months,” said Garcia-Webb.

Recent research found that there may be a higher risk of ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), or “eye stroke,” with higher doses of Wegovy, especially in males.

ION can cause sudden vision loss or blindness.

This higher risk may be due in part to the higher dose, which leads to greater systemic exposure and faster weight loss. This may affect the blood flow to the optic nerve.

“There’s still a lot of research to be done related to the risk of NAION and semaglutide. It is wise to be especially cautious for patients who would be taking the highest dose,” said Garcia-Webb.

“I always counsel patients to make sure their ophthalmologist is OK with them taking semaglutide if they have any pre-existing eye conditions,” she added.

The FDA’s database relies on voluntary reporting. This means the numbers do not reflect how often the problem actually occurs.

Still, the clear pattern seen with Wegovy and the higher risk in males suggests that doctors should monitor patients carefully, especially those receiving the higher doses for obesity.

• A recent study found that morning exercise may help lower your cardiometabolic risk.
• Cardiometabolic risk factors include cardiovascular disease and metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
• The findings show that exercising in the morning, rather than later in the day, may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30%.

Exercise has various health benefits, from maintaining a moderate weight to improving heart health.

While all exercise is beneficial, a recent study found that exercising in the morning may yield greater cardiometabolic benefits than later in the day.

It’s unclear whether the relationship between exercise and cardiometabolic health is mediated by other factors or causal. However, the researchers noted that the findings could inform counseling approaches for physical activity based on a more granular view of exercise behaviors.

“Any exercise is going to be better than no exercise, but we tried to identify an additional dimension relating to the timing of exercise,” Prem Patel, a medical student at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and the study’s lead author, said in a press release.

“If you can exercise in the morning, it seems to be linked with better rates of cardiometabolic disease,” he continued

The study’s researchers analyzed data from 14,489 individuals who were participating in the large national study All of Us. The research was based on health records and Fitbit-derived heart data.

Over 1 year, the researchers analyzed minute-level heart rate data from Fitbit devices.

To track bursts of physical activity, the research team identified periods during which participants had an elevated heart rate for 15 consecutive minutes or more. This differs from the methodologies of other studies because it is based on the body’s response to exercise rather than tracking specific activities, such as walking, housework, or gym workouts.

They assessed each participant’s exercise in those 15-minute intervals throughout the day. Then they grouped participants according to the timing of their exercise.

Using health records, the researchers analyzed any connection between the timing of exercise and effects on:

• age
• sex
• total activity level
• sleep duration
• smoking status
• alcohol use

When compared to people who exercised later in the day, those who frequently exercised in the morning were:

• 31% less likely to have coronary artery disease
• 18% less likely to have high blood pressure
• 21% less likely to have hyperlipidemia
• 30% less likely to have type 2 diabetes
• 35% less likely to have obesity

The lowest rates of coronary artery disease were associated with exercise between 7 and 8 a.m.

It’s important to note that these findings show only an association. They do not indicate whether early exercise habits cause improvements in health markers.

“It’s important not to overinterpret these findings. This was an observational study, meaning it shows association, not cause and effect,” said Robert Glatter, MD, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell. Glatter wasn’t involved in this study.

“It’s entirely possible that people who are disciplined enough to work out in the morning are also more likely to engage in other health-promoting behaviors,” Glatter told Healthline.

Regular physical activity can have various immediate and long-term benefits.

Exercise can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It may also help you sleep better.

• managing weight
• strengthening muscles and bones
• reducing the risk of falls in older adults
• managing chronic conditions and disabilities

Getting regular physical activity may also help increase your likelihood of living longer, according to the CDC.

“The bigger takeaway is this: consistency matters far more than timing. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, incorporate strength training, and reduce long periods of inactivity,” said Glatter.

“In the end, the ‘best’ time to exercise isn’t necessarily 6 or 7 a.m. — it’s the time you can commit to, day after day.”

• A new study found that people taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy had a lower risk of worsening depression and anxiety.
• The participants also had fewer hospitalizations and required less sick leave from their jobs.
• Experts say the drugs’ effects on dopamine signaling and brain inflammation could account for the benefits.
• It’s too soon to recommend GLP-1s as a primary treatment for mental health disorders. Further clinical trials are still needed.

Researchers say people living with diabetes often face a higher risk of developing mental health conditions.

Now, a large national study from Sweden found that certain medications commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight loss — specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy — may also help reduce the risk of worsening mental illness in people with anxiety or depression.

The findings, published in the April issue of The Lancet Psychiatry, offer hope for dual benefits in treating both metabolic and mental health issues. While promising, the researchers caution that further clinical trials are needed.

The study analyzed health data from 95,490 people in Sweden who were diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or both, and were also prescribed diabetes medications between 2009 and 2022.

The study compared periods when individuals were taking these medications to periods when they were not, using a “within-individual” design. This approach means each person acted as their own control, reducing the influence of factors like age, gender, or overall health that do not change over time.

Data were gathered from national electronic health registers, including hospital admissions, sick leave records, and death registries, allowing researchers to track worsening mental health events.

The primary outcome was a composite measure that included psychiatric hospitalizations, extended sick leave for psychiatric reasons, hospitalization due to self-harm, or death by suicide.

Secondary outcomes examined worsening of depression or anxiety separately, substance use disorders, and self-harm incidents.

The study also compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with other second-line diabetes medications like empagliflozin (Jardiance), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and sitagliptin (Januvia) to see how these medications stacked up against each other in terms of mental health effects.

Statistical models adjusted for time-varying factors such as the order and duration of medication use and concurrent treatment with other psychiatric or antidiabetic drugs.

The aim was to isolate the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on mental health as much as possible within the observational data.

Over an average follow-up of 5.2 years, about 23.5% of the cohort used GLP-1 receptor agonists, with semaglutide and liraglutide being the most common.

The study revealed that use of semaglutide was associated with a 42% lower risk of worsening mental illness compared to periods when the same individuals were not taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Liraglutide also showed a beneficial effect, though less pronounced, with an 18% reduced risk. In contrast, exenatide and dulaglutide did not show significant associations with mental health outcomes.

When looking at specific mental health conditions, semaglutide use was linked to significantly lower risks of worsening depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Liraglutide was associated primarily with reduced risk of worsening depression. Additionally, GLP-1 receptor agonists as a group were associated with a lower risk of self-harm.

Compared directly with other second-line antidiabetic medications, semaglutide was again associated with better mental health outcomes, suggesting its benefits extend beyond glucose control alone. The study also found that these associations held true even when accounting for factors such as sex and the type of mental health diagnosis at study entry.

Additionally, the reduced risk of worsening mental illness was reflected not only in fewer psychiatric hospitalizations but also in reduced sick leave due to mental health reasons, which has implications for work capacity and quality of life.

The researchers took care to rule out potential biases, such as effects due to the sequence of medication use or carryover effects between treatment periods. Their analyses remained consistent when excluding initial days after starting or stopping medication and when focusing on medication use after official approval dates.

Lauren Grawert, MD, clinical advisor at The Garden New Jersey, said it’s believed that GLP-1 medications can provide psychiatric benefits because they can cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to brain regions associated with the reward system. Grawert wasn’t involved in the study.

“These medications may affect the way the brain responds to dopamine signals in these areas, decreasing the overactive reward response that drives impulsivity and cravings for substances,” she told Healthline.

Still, GLP-1s may also exert anti-inflammatory effects on the central nervous system, reducing brain inflammation, which has been linked with depression and anxiety, Grawert said.

“As a result, semaglutide may help stabilize mood and improve emotional regulation by addressing these underlying biological processes in addition to its effects on metabolism,” she explained.

Looking at the implications for treating patients, Jason Kirby, Chief Medical Officer at Recovery Centers of America, said that GLP-1 medications could help people with metabolic and psychiatric disorders, possibly reducing hospitalizations and functional impairment associated with conditions like depression and anxiety. Kirby wasn’t involved in the study.

“However, this was an observational study, so it does not establish causality, and GLP-1 agents should not yet be considered primary treatments for depression or anxiety,” he told Healthline.

According to Kirby, these findings reinforce the importance of integrated care. He said the research represents “a promising avenue for future research at the intersection of psychiatry, addiction medicine, and metabolic health.”

• Eating higher amounts of ultra-processed foods is associated with lower bone mineral density, even in younger adults under 65.
• Researchers also found that high ultra-processed food intake increases the risk of hip fractures.
• Experts say the lack of nutrients needed for bone health in ultra-processed foods could contribute to the association.

Eating more ultra-processed foods is associated with poorer bone health.

The findings were pronounced even among younger adults under 65 and in those who were underweight.

“Our study cohort was followed for over 12 years, and we found that high intakes of ultra-processed foods were linked to a reduction in bone mineral density at several sites including key areas of the upper femur and the lumbar spine region,” Lu Qi, MD, PhD, co-author of the study and HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and professor at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University said in a press statement.

“While recent studies have shown that ultra-processed food consumption can affect bone health, this is the first time this relationship has been examined directly in humans,” Qi continued.

Data from the CDC suggests that ultra-processed foods account for roughly 55% of total calories consumed by both children and adults.

To explore the impact of ultra-processed foods on bone health, the researchers analyzed data from more than 160,000 participants in the UK Biobank database.

On average, people ate roughly 8 servings of ultra-processed foods per day.

The researchers found that for every 3.7 additional servings of ultra-processed foods consumed each day, the risk of hip fracture increased by 10.5%.

The study authors note that while the serving sizes of ultra-processed foods can vary by food type, 3.7 additional serves equate to a frozen dinner entree, a soda, and a cookie.

Grace Derocha, a registered dietitian nutritionist and national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said it’s a finding worth paying attention to. Derocha wasn’t involved in the study.

“A 10.5% increase in hip fracture risk is meaningful, especially given how serious hip fractures can be for long-term mobility and independence, particularly in older adults,” she told Healthline. “That said, it is important to interpret this in context. This is an observational finding, meaning it shows an association rather than direct causation.”

“Still, it reinforces a pattern we see across nutrition science: diets higher in ultra-processed foods tend to be linked with poorer health outcomes overall. From a public health standpoint, it’s a signal worth paying attention to — not necessarily a reason for alarm, but certainly a reason to emphasize improving overall diet quality,” Derocha said.

Dana Hunnes, a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Health, said there could be several mechanisms underlying the association between ultra-processed foods and poorer bone health. Hunnes wasn’t involved in the study.

“Inflammation could potentially be a driver of lower bone density; lower intake of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and other minerals important to bone health may be consumed less often when intake of ultra-processed foods [is] consumed more often. Without sufficient amounts of these healthy nutrients, bone density may weaken,” she told Healthline.

“Perhaps people are also less active, and less activity also can reduce bone density, as you’re not having the same compression or forces on the muscles/bones as you are when you’re more active. All of these factors may also be combining to affect this change,” she explained.

The association between ultra-processed foods and lower bone density was most pronounced among those under age 65 and in those who were underweight with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5.

The authors note that these associations could be more pronounced in younger people due to stronger digestive function, which could lead to better absorption of the unhealthy ingredients in ultra-processed foods.

Those with a low BMI are also already at risk for bone health issues, and this may make the impact of ultra-processed foods on bone density worse.

Ultra-processed foods are manufactured on an industrial scale. They are often highly palatable, low in dietary fiber, and high in sweeteners, salt, and unhealthy fats.

They may include foods like frozen meals, breakfast cereal, sweetened beverages, and convenience foods and snacks.

The new study is the latest in a growing body of research that demonstrates important links between a diet high in ultra-processed foods and bone health.

“We have strong evidence that nutrition is foundational to bone health across the lifespan,” Derocha said. “Diets high in ultra-processed foods may contribute to lower nutrient intake and higher levels of inflammation, both of which can negatively impact bone health over time.”

David Cutler, MD, a board certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, said the findings of the effects of ultra-processed foods on bone health aren’t surprising. Cutler wasn’t involved in the study. However, he noted that many dietary factors can influence bone health.

“There are many dietary factors aside from UPF which impact bone density,” Cutler told Healthline.

“Certainly, when calcium, vitamin D, or protein are deficient, it will have a major impact on bone density. Other nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K also have a significant, but lesser effect on bone density. So, the extent to which UPFs may be supplemented with these nutrients could mitigate their overall negative impact,” he said.

In the United States, 70% of the food supply consists of ultra-processed foods.

In addition to the impacts on bone health, these foods have been associated with a range of negative health outcomes, such as:

“Adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein is critical, but emerging research shows that overall dietary patterns matter just as much,” Derocha said.

Theresa Gentile, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said that one of the best ways to make dietary changes aimed at reducing overall intake of ultra-processed foods is to first focus on what can be added to the diet, rather than what can be subtracted. Gentile wasn’t involved in the study.

“Making small changes and lateral shifts is the best way to make long-lasting changes. First, you could add something to an [ultra-processed food] to boost its nutrition,” Gentile told Healthline.

“Add an egg, shredded chicken, and veggies to instant ramen; salad to frozen pizza; fruit, nuts, and chia/flax seeds to instant oatmeal, veggies and ground turkey to jarred pasta and sauce, [or] blended fruit into a nutrition shake,” she said.

“Diet can maintain bone and slow loss, but is best paired with resistance exercise. Through diet, you should make sure to consistently include sources of calcium in your diet, adequate protein to maintain muscle and minimize risk of fractures, and adequate calories to support bone formation and maintenance,” she said.

• Women who go through natural menopause before age 40 face a 40% higher lifetime risk of coronary heart disease.
• Black women are three times as likely to experience premature menopause as white women.
• Untreated menopause symptoms like night sweats and sleep disturbances can undermine the heart-healthy habits that lower cardiovascular risk.
• Experts say women should share their menopause history with their doctors and focus on blood pressure, cholesterol, strength training, and stress management to protect long-term heart health.

Women who go through natural menopause before age 40 face a 40% higher lifetime risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new study published March 18 in JAMA Cardiology.

Premature menopause occurs when the ovaries stop functioning and menstrual periods end before age 40.

Current evidence suggests roughly 3–4% of women may experience some form of menopause before 40, which is higher than the previous 1% estimate for overt premature menopause. Black women are three times as likely to experience premature menopause as white women.

Researchers at Northwestern University analyzed data from more than 10,000 postmenopausal women across six major U.S. population-based studies from 1964 to 2018.

They found the 40% higher lifetime risk of heart attack or fatal coronary heart disease held up regardless of race.

Lead study author Priya Freaney, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said the findings should be viewed as empowering, not alarming.

“We’re talking about an event that happens before the midpoint of someone’s life,” she told Healthline. “That should be viewed as an opportunity…the earlier we can implement prevention, the more impact we can have in the long term.”

Stephanie Faubion, MD, medical director of The Menopause Society, told Healthline that the connection between menopause and heart health stems from hormones. Faubion wasn’t involved in the study.

“The connection has to do with the early loss of estrogen, which helps promote heart, brain, and bone health, especially in these younger women,” Faubion said.

Freaney described a cascade of changes that occur as natural estrogen declines, regardless of age.

“Our muscle mass decreases, our visceral fat increases, fat moves to the belly, our arteries stiffen, our cholesterol goes up, our blood pressure goes up,” she said.

“All of these things taken together in a few years before and after menopause lead to an environment that is less healthy for the heart.”

Most cases of premature menopause have no clear explanation, though conditions like autoimmune diseases, infections, inflammatory conditions, and genetic mutations can trigger it.

The study found that Black women experience premature menopause at more than three times the rate of white women — 15.5% compared with 4.8%.

While the 40% increase in heart disease risk applied regardless of race, the sheer frequency of premature menopause among Black women means the condition carries a far greater population-level impact.

Black women with premature menopause lived an average of 18.2 years free of heart disease after age 55, compared to 19.1 years for Black women who reached menopause at a typical age.

The study’s authors pointed to “weathering” — the theory that chronic racial stress accelerates biological aging — as one possible driver of the higher rates.

Rachel M. Bond, MD, co-chair of the Women and Children Committee at the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), said she takes that connection seriously in her practice. Bond wasn’t involved in the study.

“Chronic stress is not ‘just emotional’ — it can affect blood pressure, sleep, inflammation, eating patterns, physical activity, and how consistently someone can care for themselves,” Bond told Healthline.

Bond said she works to get a holistic picture of her patients’ lives, asking about caregiving responsibilities, financial strain, and what she described as “the pressure to keep pushing through.” She treats stress as a real cardiovascular risk factor.

She said weathering is one reason “we treat stress as a real cardiovascular issue.”

Perimenopause, the years before menopause, and postmenopause represent what the study’s authors call a unique “window of opportunity” to measure, monitor, and modify cardiovascular risk.

It’s the period when risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar often start to shift, and catching those changes early can make the biggest difference.

“I do not look at that finding and think, ‘It’s only one year.’ I look at it and think, ‘That is our opportunity to intervene sooner,’” Bond said.

She said she takes action the moment she learns a patient is experiencing premature menopause — checking blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, sleep, and smoking status; reviewing pregnancy and family history; talking through exercise and nutrition; and deciding whether to get more aggressive about risk-factor treatment.

A 2022 editorial commenting on a related study by Finnish researchers suggests that the menopausal transition may be an underappreciated opportunity to slow cardiovascular aging overall.

Seizing that window also means treating menopause symptoms. Faubion pointed out that untreated symptoms can undermine the very habits that protect the heart.

“If women are not sleeping because they are having night sweats or mood issues or menopause-related sleep disturbances, this makes it more difficult to do the things that we all know help with heart health, like exercising regularly and paying attention to diet,” she said.

Freaney said women approaching menopause need to “double down on efforts to maintain strength.” She advised strength training at least twice a week.

“Muscle regulates metabolism,” she said. “That can counter some of these adverse cardiac changes that occur around the time of menopause.”

All women can take charge of their cardiovascular health, even before they experience menopausal symptoms.

Bond recommended three starting points:

• know and control your blood pressure
• get regular screening for cholesterol and diabetes before symptoms arise
• prioritize physical activity, sleep, nourishing food, and stress support

These and the other recommendations from ABC’s ‘7 Steps to a Healthy Heart‘ are “core habits” that meaningfully affect long-term heart health, Bond said.

Women can also take initiative with their doctors by sharing their menopause history during visits. Bond said the responsibility goes both ways.

“We should be asking: At what age did your periods stop? Was menopause natural or surgical? Did you go through menopause before age 40?” she said.

“Menopause is not just a gynecologic milestone; it can be an important cardiovascular signal, especially when it happens early,” Bond said.

“Attention to lifestyle, including diet and exercise, is critically important and can significantly modify cardiovascular risk,” she said.

Freaney said the findings reinforce that reproductive history belongs in every cardiovascular risk assessment.

“A problem that was previously thought to be a gynecologic problem really needs to be considered by all clinicians,” she said.

Providers who routinely ask about the timing of menopause “can flag higher-risk women that traditional risk calculators may underestimate.”