As President Donald Trump backs efforts to advance psychedelic drugs, doctors are speaking out about how the move could impact mental health treatments.

On Friday, Trump signed an executive order to fast-track the research, funding and potential FDA approval of psychedelics like ibogaine, psilocybin, LCD and MDMA, primarily to treat PTSD, depression and addiction.

Psychedelics, psychoactive compounds that act largely through serotonin pathways, are being studied in controlled clinical settings for mental health treatment, experts say.

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Trump’s move is drawing mixed reactions, with supporters praising its potential to transform mental health treatment, particularly for veterans, while critics warn about limited evidence on safety and effectiveness.

"The president’s action today opens a pathway to research that will further open doors to expedited approval of this life-saving medicine as a treatment for our veterans — and society — who have suffered for decades from treatment-resistant PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain injury) and depression," Jay Kopelman, former Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and CEO of Mission to Live Foundation in San Diego, told Fox News Digital.

"This act will require the VA Health System to begin psychedelics research and clinical trials, making psychedelics available to veterans for whom the traditional modalities of care (SSRIs and talk therapy) haven’t worked."

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, agreed that psychedelics hold "big potential" for severe depression and PTSD, and said he supports Trump’s commitment to funding more research. 

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"It changes brain chemistry in a way that can provide more modulation of dopamine, serotonin and other neurochemicals, making a patient less fearful," he told Fox News Digital. 

"At the same time, the psychiatric impact of psychedelics can be useful to change perception in a positive way."

Siegel emphasized, however, that these therapies need to be further researched, and that doses and exact indications must be carefully determined.

Juliana Mercer, a 16-year Marine Corps veteran and the executive director of Healing Breakthrough, a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD, applauded the president’s move as a "meaningful step."

"The people who need this most are those who have already tried everything and found no real relief," she told Fox News Digital.

"I think about veterans I served with, people who have done years of therapy, cycled through medications, and are still carrying the weight of their service. Too many are still losing that fight at home."

Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions in Washington, D.C., expressed concerns about the executive order.

"While we support rigorous research for treatment discovery, President Trump’s executive order on ibogaine puts politics and hype ahead of science by suggesting that a dangerous, unapproved hallucinogen can somehow be a medical treatment," he shared with Fox News Digital. 

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"Ibogaine remains a Schedule I substance with serious safety concerns, including documented cardiotoxicity and deaths. [The government] should not normalize unproven and risky drugs under the guise of helping those who have served our country."

Siegel also cautioned about the risk of improper prescribing of psychedelics by unqualified practitioners. "Unfettered recreational use and microdosing can increase the risk of psychosis and other anxiety disorders," he added.

Kopelman noted that the primary risk of ibogaine is its "cardiotoxicity properties."

"It can prolong the QT interval in the heartbeat, which can lead to arrhythmia or even heart attack," he told Fox News Digital, noting that this risk is mitigated by "rigorous medical examinations" and monitoring during treatment.

Mercer agreed that these treatments aren’t appropriate for everyone.

"They can have significant psychological effects and, in some cases, physiological risks, which is why they should only be administered in controlled clinical settings by trained providers," she told Fox News Digital.

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"Continued research is essential to better understand who these therapies are right for, and who they’re not, before broader implementation."

While Trump’s order is a step toward FDA approval for psychedelics, the substances still need to go through clinical trials and the standard regulatory pathway, including rescheduling, Mercer noted.

"Veterans and others will still be waiting unless we also build the systems to provide this safely at scale, trained providers, reimbursement pathways and clinical care models," she said. "This is the gap we’ve been highlighting for years, and it still needs to be closed."

Kopelman agreed that while the legislation paves a path for expedited study of these medications, it’s important to "do it the right way," warning that "one misstep could overturn and sink this entire effort."

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"Most important is the post-medicine integration work that requires multiple therapy sessions overseen by a trauma-informed psychedelic therapist," he told Fox News Digital. "It’s not like prescribing someone a Tylenol and sending them home — these medicines require medical oversight."

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"Psychedelics are not a panacea," Kopelman added. "They are a gateway to healing — but the real work begins after treatment."

Feeling lonely may take a toll on older adults' memory — but it may not speed up cognitive decline, according to a new study.

Researchers from Colombia, Spain and Sweden analyzed data from more than 10,000 adults ages 65 to 94 across 12 European countries and found those who reported higher levels of loneliness did worse on memory tests at the start of the study, according to research published this month in the journal Aging & Mental Health.

Over a seven-year period, however, memory decline occurred at a similar rate regardless of how lonely participants felt.

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"The finding that loneliness significantly impacted memory, but not the speed of decline in memory over time was a surprising outcome," lead author Dr. Luis Carlos Venegas-Sanabria of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Universidad del Rosario said in a statement.

"It suggests that loneliness may play a more prominent role in the initial state of memory than in its progressive decline," Venegas-Sanabria said, adding that the findings highlight the importance of addressing loneliness as a factor in cognitive performance.

The findings add to debate about whether loneliness contributes to dementia risk. While loneliness and social isolation are often considered risk factors for cognitive decline, research results have been mixed.

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The study looked at data from the long-running Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which tracked 10,217 older adults between 2012 and 2019. Participants were asked to recall words immediately and after a delay to measure memory performance.

Loneliness was assessed using three questions about how often participants felt isolated, left out or lacking companionship.

About 8% of participants reported high levels of loneliness at the outset. That group tended to be older, more likely to be female and more likely to have conditions such as depression.

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Researchers found that those with higher loneliness had lower scores on both immediate and delayed memory tests at baseline. Still, all groups — regardless of loneliness level — experienced similar declines in memory over time.

The results suggest loneliness may not directly accelerate the progression of memory loss, though it remains linked to poorer cognitive performance overall.

Experts warn, however, that the findings should not be interpreted to mean loneliness is harmless.

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"The finding that lonely older adults start with worse memory but don't decline faster is actually the most interesting part of the paper, and I think it's easy to misread," said Jordan Weiss, Ph.D., a scientific advisor and aging expert at Assisted Living Magazine and a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

"It likely means loneliness does its damage earlier in life, well before people show up in a study like this at 65-plus," Weiss told Fox News Digital.

He suggested that by older age, long-term social patterns may already be established, making it harder to detect when the effects of loneliness first took hold.

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"By the time you're measuring someone in their late 60s, decades of social connection patterns are already baked in," he said.

Weiss, who was not involved in the research, added that loneliness may coincide with other health conditions, and noted that participants who felt more isolated also had higher rates of depression, high-blood pressure and diabetes. The link, he said, may reflect a cluster of health risks rather than a direct cause.

Amy Morin, a Florida-based psychotherapist and author, said the findings reflect a broader pattern in research on loneliness and brain health, and that the relationship may be more complex than it appears.

"The evidence shows there's a link between loneliness and cognitive decline but there's no direct evidence of a cause and effect relationship," she said. "So while they can go hand-in-hand, it's not clear that loneliness contributes to dementia."

Morin added that loneliness, which can fluctuate, may not be the root of the problem, but rather a symptom of other underlying mental or physical health issues.

She said staying socially and mentally engaged is crucial for overall brain health.

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"It's important to be proactive about social activities," Morin said. "Joining a book club, having coffee with a friend, or attending faith-based services can be a powerful way to maintain connections in older age."

The researchers also suggested screening for loneliness be incorporated into routine cognitive assessments as one way to support healthy aging.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

Research continues to uncover new details on how fasting may help extend life.

A new study published in the journal Nature Communications investigated how intermittent fasting can boost longevity in small worms often used in aging research.

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas compared worms that were fed normally to those that underwent a 24-hour fast in early adulthood and were then fed again, according to a press release.

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The scientists measured a variety of factors, including stored fat, gene activity related to fat metabolism and lifespan.

The results showed that the life-boosting benefit did not depend on the fasting itself but on the body’s behavior after eating again.

Study lead Peter Douglas, associate professor of molecular biology and a member of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine at UT Southwestern, suggested that these discoveries "shift the focus toward a neglected side of the metabolic coin – the re-feeding phase."

"Our data suggest that the health-promoting effects of intermittent fasting are not merely a product of the fast itself, but are dependent on how the metabolic machinery recalibrates during the subsequent transition back to a fed state," he said.

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"Our findings bridge a gap between lipid metabolism and aging research," he added. "By targeting aging, the single greatest risk factor for human disease, we move beyond treating isolated conditions toward a preventive model of medicine that enhances quality of life for all individuals."

Lauri Wright, director of nutrition programs at the University of South Florida's College of Public Health, called this a "high-quality" study that adds an "important nuance to how we think about fasting and longevity."

The benefits of the refeeding phase after fasting were "especially interesting," Wright, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"The researchers showed that longevity was linked to the body’s ability to turn off fat breakdown after fasting, allowing cells to restore energy balance," she reiterated.

"From a scientific standpoint, that’s a meaningful shift because it suggests fasting is not just about burning fat, but about metabolic flexibility."

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Fasting may support longevity through triggering metabolic switching, enhancing cellular repair and stress resistance and improving markers like insulin sensitivity, research shows.

Although this study provides "important insight" on the power of refeeding, Wright noted that the findings should be approached with caution, as the study was done on worms and cannot always be translated to humans.

"Additionally, it explains how a process might work in a controlled lab condition rather than real-world eating behaviors," she added as a limitation. "Finally, the study is short-term and doesn't give us the long-term translation on lifespan outcomes."

Wright cautioned that fasting is "not a magic solution for longevity, and how you eat overall matters more than when you eat."

"I advise, first and foremost, to focus on diet quality, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and minimally processed foods," she said.

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For those who are considering fasting, it’s better to stick with a moderate plan — like a 12- to 14-hour overnight fast — rather than going to extremes, Wright said. After fasting, she recommends focusing on well-balanced meals.

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Several groups of people should be cautioned against fasting, according to Wright, including those with diabetes who are on insulin or hypoglycemic medications, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone with a history of eating disorders and older adults at risk of malnutrition.

Anyone considering intermittent fasting should consult with a doctor before starting.

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More than three million people travel to undergo cosmetic surgery each year, statistics show — but the potential savings come at a cost.

Most people opting to pursue this so-called "medical tourism" are chasing budget-friendly price tags. 

International surgeries, such as hair transplants in Turkey, can cost as little as $4,000 to $5,000, compared to $20,000 to $30,000 in the U.S., but often come with extreme risks, according to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian of California.

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The doctor recently joined Lisa Brady on the "The FOX News Rundown" podcast to discuss the rising trend of medical tourism. One of the biggest risks, she said, is the lack of safety regulations in popular destinations like Mexico and Turkey.

As demand spikes in these medical tourism "mills," there have been reports of non-medically trained staff performing procedures like hair transplants.

"I’ve heard that they [international clinics] are even recruiting people who maybe were taxi drivers and then putting them through their own training program ... to become hair transplant technicians," Nazarian said. "That’s how high the demand has become."

In the U.S., medical school graduates are granted a "physician and surgeon" license, which means doctors — including pediatricians or OB-GYNs — can legally perform cosmetic surgeries, even if they didn’t receive specialized training for those procedures during residency, Nazarian noted.

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Instead of pinching pennies, the doctor recommended paying whatever amount is necessary to ensure quality treatment.

"People think of it as, you know, going to the mall. . . . It’s surgery, and surgery has risks," she said. "You need to be with someone who not only can perform a beautiful surgery, but who can handle possible complications well."

"You need to ask them: ‘What was your residency training in? And if you wanted to, would you be allowed to do this procedure in a hospital?’"

Aftercare is another critical factor in the success and safety of a cosmetic procedure, as the doctor emphasized that 20% of a surgical result depends on post-operative care.

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This can be difficult or even impossible to manage when a doctor is in a different time zone, she cautioned, or if the clinic disappears shortly after the procedure.

Nazarian also noted the importance of addressing the psychological component of plastic surgery, noting that no procedure will fix underlying unhappiness. The doctor said she uses screening questionnaires to ensure that patients are truly seeking self-improvement rather than a "cure" for deeper issues.

"If you’re not already generally very content with your life, a knife in my hand is not going to bring you there," Nazarian said.

"The analogy I always give is you don't want a paisley couch — you want a neutral couch and you can put paisley pillows on it," she said, noting that a procedure should "make you look normal, God-given, athletic. And then you can change your clothes when the trends come and go."

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Samuel Golpanian, M.D., a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, said he has also seen an increasing number of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures abroad, sometimes with "devastating consequences."

"I’ve seen a wide range of complications, including infections, poor wound healing, significant scarring and tissue necrosis (skin death)," he told Fox News Digital. "These complications often lead to prolonged pain, ongoing medical problems, and significant additional costs to repair the damage."

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Golpanian said he’s treated patients who received unsafe or non-medical-grade injectable materials, which can lead to serious long-term health issues.

"I’ve also seen damage to underlying structures, asymmetry and results that are extremely difficult — sometimes impossible — to correct."

"That said, I’ve also seen some good outcomes, so it’s not all bad," he noted. "The key is being extremely careful before embarking on this journey."

Fully vet the surgeon. "Most surgeons will provide information about their education and training, but it’s important not to accept these claims at face value," Golpanian said. "Verify them directly by contacting the institutions where they trained."

Ask for references from prior patients. Ideally, it’s best to get references from U.S.-based patients who can speak candidly about both their experience and their results, the surgeonsaid.

Think beyond the cost. Golpanian emphasized the adage "you get what you pay for." "Cost should take a back seat to experience, training, judgment and proven results," he advised.

Be cautious about relying on before-and-after photos. These can be selective or even enhanced, Golpanian warned.

Keep aftercare in focus. "Make sure the practice emphasizes comprehensive follow-up care and has a clear, realistic post-operative plan in place."

You might want to drop the bacon, because it could be the reason behind your bad knees, recent research suggests.

Ultraprocessed foods have been studied extensively for their negative health effects, and now a new study has linked them to an increased risk of arthritis in the knees.

Foods in this category are designed for longer shelf life, strong flavor appeal and convenience. Common examples include breakfast cereals, bacon, hot dogs, pre-packaged snacks and sweets.

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"Over the past decades, in parallel to the rising prevalences of obesity and knee osteoarthritis, the use of natural ingredients in our diets has steadily diminished," said the study’s lead author, Zehra Akkaya, MD, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in a press release.

Previous research into knee osteoarthritis — a degenerative "wear-and-tear" condition — has revealed that higher amounts of intramuscular fat in the thigh could increase the risk of developing the condition.

When fat gets into the muscle, it weakens the support system for the knee, leading to more joint stress and inflammation.

"It constitutes one of the largest non-cancer-related healthcare costs in the United States and around the world. It is highly linked to obesity and unhealthy lifestyle choices," said Akkaya.

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The research team set out to determine whether diet directly influences this fat buildup. Using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative – which is a large, long-term public research project focused on the condition – they analyzed 615 individuals who did not yet have osteoarthritis.

Through non-enhanced MRI scans, they looked for degeneration marked by streaks of fat replacing healthy muscle fibers in the thigh.

The results, published in the journal Radiology, showed that the more ultraprocessed foods people consumed, the higher the amount of fat stored inside their thigh muscles.

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This was true regardless of a person’s total caloric intake, their weight or how much they exercised.

Even if someone was "thin" or active, if their diet was primarily composed of ultraprocessed foods, muscle quality and knee health could still be at risk.

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On average, the study participants consumed about 41% of their daily food from ultraprocessed sources.

Reducing ultraprocessed food consumption may help to preserve muscle quality, which in turn could alleviate the burden of knee osteoarthritis, according to the researchers.

One of the best ways to prevent obesity is to adopt a healthy, balanced diet and to exercise regularly.

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There were some limitations to the study. While it showed a clear link between ultraprocessed foods and muscle fat, it could not definitively prove that the food caused the fat buildup, only that they happened at the same time.

The findings are also based on participants reporting their own diets, which can sometimes be inaccurate compared to clinical monitoring, the researchers noted.

Additionally, the study focused on people already at high risk for knee issues, so the results might not apply as much to younger or healthier populations.

"Clavicular," the controversial "looksmaxxing" influencer, was reportedly hospitalized due to a suspected overdose Tuesday night during a livestream. 

The Miami content creator, 20, posted a photo of his bloody face and commented on X Wednesday.

"Just got home, that was brutal. All of the substances are just [to] cope, trying to feel neurotypical while being in public, but obviously, that isn’t a real solution. The worst part of tonight was my face descending from the life support mask."

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The influencer, whose real name is Braden Peters, was hospitalized after his livestream was cut short when he began slurring his words and repeating phrases, according to reports.

Looksmaxxing is a social media trend focused on enhancing appearance, ranging from basic skin care to extreme practices like hitting cheekbones with hammers to alter facial structure.

The potentially dangerous trend has been popular with young males, plastic surgeons told Fox News Digital.

"In my practice, we've seen it primarily in young men in their 20s," Dr. Josef Hadeed, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, told Fox News Digital. "We have had a few women, but I'd say, by and large, it's been mostly men who have come into our office wanting these various looksmaxxing procedures."

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"Patients are increasingly seeking to align how they look with how they feel," he said. "The difference today is that the tools and technologies available to achieve that have never been more advanced or more accessible."

Looksmaxxing can be divided into two categories: "softmaxxing" and "hardmaxxing," according to Hadeed. Softmaxxing is a more simple, non-invasive approach to improving one’s looks.

"It's really like self-care or grooming — things like going to the gym on a regular basis to try to improve your body composition, or using various skincare products to try to improve your skin texture," the surgeon said.

Softmaxxing techniques — which can also include teeth whitening, beard grooming, or upgrading a wardrobe or hairstyle – are not usually a problem, according to Hadeed. Hardmaxxing, which involves more extreme measures, can have riskier consequences.

Some individuals in the looksmaxxing online community do things like "bone smashing," Hadeed said.

"[It’s] literally what it sounds like, where you smash the bones to change the facial structure, and that is obviously not recommended because it can lead to potential complications," he warned.

"Once you cross that line and start getting into more extreme things, I feel like that's where most plastic surgeons should draw the line."

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Dr. C. Bob Basu, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, said the biggest safety risks with the looksmaxxing trend come from pursuing treatments without proper medical guidance.

"Social media can make procedures seem easy or risk-free, but even minimally invasive treatments carry real risks if performed incorrectly or by an untrained provider," the Houston-based plastic surgeon told Fox News Digital.

To achieve quality results, it is critical to be treated by a board-certified plastic surgeon who understands both safety and anatomy, Basu advised.

The convergence of social media, constant digital visibility and "unprecedented access to aesthetic treatments" — along with a cultural shift toward optimizing wellness and longevity — are fueling the looksmaxxing trend, according to Basu.

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Hadeed agreed, noting that social media puts pressure on individuals to look perfect.

"People are constantly comparing themselves to other people online," he told Fox News Digital. "It can quickly develop into body dysmorphia for a lot of people, and that's when they start pursuing more and more procedures that they don't need by any stretch — it's kind of like keeping up with the Joneses."

Dr. Nancy Frye, a professor in the psychology department at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, also weighed in on what’s driving the looksmaxxing craze.

"We figure out how attractive we might be by comparing what we see in ourselves to what we see in others," she told Fox News Digital. "This social comparison is especially problematic with social media and filters, as people compare themselves to filtered versions of others."

While experts warn of the risks of looksmaxxing, they say a thoughtful approach can have some benefits, including pride in one’s appearance and health.

The most tangible benefits are associated with the softmaxxing approach, which includes following a fitness routine, eating a clean diet and following regular skin care routines, according to Hadeed.

With healthy guidance, aesthetic care can "enhance confidence and self-esteem, helping patients feel more aligned with their sense of self," Basu added.

Both plastic surgeons emphasized the importance of taking a responsible approach when considering the looksmaxxing trend.

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"The goal should always be thoughtful self-improvement, not perfection," Basu said. "It should never be about looking like someone else or a filtered version of yourself, but rather about becoming a confident, natural and authentic version of you."

Anyone considering this trend should consult a licensed healthcare professional rather than relying on advice from social media influencers, the doctors advised.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will reportedly weigh easing restrictions on peptides in anticipated talks.

The meeting, which is expected to be held in July, will discuss relaxing limits on more than a half dozen peptide injections.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins — that play key roles in biological functions, according to the National Institutes of Health. Peptide drugs are lab-made versions of natural molecules in the body that are designed to mimic or influence biological signals to treat disease, experts say.

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In a federal notice released Wednesday, the FDA identified these drugs — used for conditions ranging from insomnia to obesity — for potential inclusion on a list of substances that can be safely compounded by pharmacies.

This follows Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to deregulate peptides, which he’s spoken about publicly, although most peptides have not been reviewed for safety by the FDA.

Kennedy has discussed using the substances for personal injuries. In a recent interview on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, he stated that he’s a "big fan of peptides."

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The HHS secretary mentioned that he’s "very anxious" to making some peptides "more accessible."

"My hope is that they will get moved to a place where people have access from ethical suppliers," Kennedy said, alluding to the FDA taking action.

Peptides have gained popularity among wellness influencers and fitness gurus as a means of building muscle, healing injuries or appearing younger, the AP reported.

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Peptides act like a signal to hormones and the human body. Similar to how GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists), such as Ozempic, suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, peptides can signal other functions, like the release of growth hormones.

Certain peptides up for review by the FDA, like BPC-157, are marketed for tendon healing, gut healing (in cases like ulcerative colitis), injury recovery and inflammation reduction, although the FDA has warned about the risk of unapproved peptide treatments.

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The FDA wrote in a February advisory that "compounded drugs should only be used in patients whose medical needs cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug."

"Patients should obtain a prescription from their doctor and fill the prescription at a state-licensed pharmacy," the agency wrote.

The current peptide market has been referred to as the "Wild West" due to lack of regulation. In an interview with AP, Dr. Peter Lurie, a former FDA official who now leads the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, D.C., commented that "the Wild West is about to become wilder."

"I don’t see why one would take the path of proper drug approval if there is now this less rigorous, alternative path to market," he said.

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Under the Biden administration, the FDA added nearly 20 peptides to a list of substances that should not be produced by compounding pharmacies, according to the AP.

The panel of pharmacy advisers at the time noted that the peptides did not meet criteria for safety.

Is the air in your office dulling your look? The internet, and some experts, think so.

"Office air," a new trend on social media, is a concept that suggests sitting in an office for an eight-hour shift changes skin, hair and overall appearance.

The TikTok trend has sparked many videos and millions of views from a variety of creators, mostly women.

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One TikTok creator, Zoe Keels (@zoescoutt), posted her own before-and-after video following an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift in the office, which has received more than 300,000 views.

"Sucks the life right out of you," Keels wrote in the caption of the post. Others commented, agreeing with her experience.

"It makes my skin look & feel horrible! Ughh," one user commented.

Another wrote, "I look like I’ve been to war every day by 3pm."

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In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Keels described "office air" as a "combo of dry, recycled air, bright fluorescent lighting and staring at a screen for eight hours, mixed with the stress of the job itself."

"By the end of the day, it definitely shows in my skin, makeup and hair," she said.

This phenomenon has some scientific backing, experts say.

Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Sandra Oska said most office environments rely on HVAC systems that "lower ambient humidity."

This can cause the skin to appear more dry and dull, according to Oska, due to an increase in "transepidermal water loss."

"When the skin is dehydrated, that can emphasize the appearance of fine lines, and makeup can settle into patches of dry skin," she told Fox News Digital. "Eczema-prone or sensitive skin does not do as well in low-humidity environments, either."

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When the skin feels dry, it can "try to compensate by producing more sebum, which can contribute to oiliness in the T-zone that’s worse by end of day," the dermatologist noted.

Low-humidity environments can also cause the hair to feel dry and frizzy, causing flyaways.

"This is why hair starts looking worse by the afternoon," she said. "When the environment is dry, the scalp compensates by producing more sebum, meaning the roots look oilier and the volume at the root can fall flat."

Certain irritants in an environment, like dust particles, can also irritate the skin and eyes, according to Oska.

"This can cause people to rub their eyes, which in turn contributes to puffiness and dark circles," she said.

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The "office air" trend not only impacts physical appearance, but also the mental well-being, confidence and productivity of employees throughout the workday, according to Amanda Augustine, a career expert at resume.io.

"Many office workers on the app say they feel ‘less fresh’ by the afternoon, as their surroundings take a toll on both their hair and skin," she told Fox News Digital.

"The 'office air' trend on TikTok highlights a real concern about workplace environments affecting not just appearance, but also employee confidence and well-being."

Augustine highlighted how office factors, like excessive air conditioning or heating, artificial lighting, lack of natural sunlight, poor ventilation and prolonged screen time, can lead to dry skin, hair issues and fatigue.

"All of [those] can negatively impact employee productivity, engagement and morale," she said. "While it may seem like a lighthearted social media trend, it highlights the importance of workplace wellness."

"Employers should note that creating a comfortable, well-ventilated office space can encourage a healthier and more engaged workforce."

Keeping skin moisturized and taking breaks to get fresh air can also help prevent this effect, experts say.

The "office air" phenomenon is not a medical concept, some experts noted, and any changes in appearance could also be due to other factors beyond environmental exposure.

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Fox News Digital reached out to several indoor air quality and occupational health organizations requesting comment.

An investigation in New Orleans discovered high levels of lead contamination in playgrounds all over the city, despite previous efforts to rid them of the health hazard.

Now, city officials are racing to secure $5 million in federal aid to clean up the soil where local children play.

In February, Verite News reporters tested more than 80 playgrounds across the city, finding that 50% of the sites harbored lead levels that experts deem unsafe.

CANCER RISK LINKED TO COMMON BLOOD-RELATED CONDITION, RESEARCH REVEALS

At one park, levels were recorded at nearly 6,000 parts per million, or 30 times higher than the EPA’s recommended screening level.

According to Trust for America’s Health, a nonprofit public health policy organization based in Washington, D.C., more than 90% of New Orleans’ housing structures were built prior to 1978, which is the year lead was banned in residential paint.

"In addition to deteriorating paint … the lead dust from the use of leaded gasoline contributed significantly to elevated soil lead levels," the group noted.

CANCER-LINKED PESTICIDE IN THE SPOTLIGHT AFTER CONTROVERSIAL ORDER: 'TOXIC BY DESIGN'

Children younger than age 6 are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which health institutions claim can severely affect growth and brain development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal, experts say.

Public health researchers recommend that parents avoid playgrounds known to be contaminated with lead, as it can be difficult to prevent children from ingesting traces of dirt or breathing in dust while playing.

RFK JR, EPA CHIEF 'DECLARE WAR' ON MICROPLASTICS AMID GROWING EVIDENCE OF HEALTH RISKS

The announcement sparked immediate outrage from parents, many of whom had previously drawn attention to the excessive levels of lead in parks.

On April 7, Mayor Helena Moreno ordered the creation of a task force to review and improve the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC).

"The City’s immediate priority is to evaluate the current strengths and weaknesses of the City’s recreation program," the mayor said in a statement.

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The task force will "consider and make recommendations regarding the costs and practicalities of implementing a program to assess and remediate safety and environmental concerns at NORDC facilities and playgrounds, including the existence of lead in soil."

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Prior to this order, Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Jennifer Avegno announced that city officials were working with the state’s congressional delegation to request $5 million in federal funds for the federal fiscal year, according to reports from Verite News.

"Protecting the health and safety of our children and families is at the center of every decision we’re making. The city previously applied for a lead prevention grant prior to the recent investigation of local parks," Avegno said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Mayor Moreno moved quickly with an executive order to strengthen accountability, coordination and rapid response across agencies," she continued.

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"Through internal cross-departmental working groups and the Mayor’s NORD task force, we are aligning public health, recreation, capital projects and community partners to compile a full assessment of playground conditions, act decisively to prioritize remediation, and ensure that facilities remain safe for every child and family."

"At the same time, we are actively pursuing additional external funding to expand our capacity, accelerate improvements, and ensure that long-term protections are in place."

The money will go toward testing and cleanup of affected playgrounds.

Fox News Digital reached out to the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission for comment.

The skyrocketing popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists has transformed the weight-loss industry, but not all shots are created equal in terms of how they work.

A study published in Nature investigated how genes affect the success of modern weight-loss drugs — specifically, GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide.

In analyzing genetic data and self-reported weight loss from over 27,000 users, researchers pinpointed a specific variation in the GLP-1 receptor gene (GLP1R) that acts as a "booster" for the drug’s effectiveness.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS LINKED TO HIDDEN SIDE EFFECTS, STUDY FINDS

Individuals carrying one copy of this variant lost an average of 1.6 pounds more than those without it, according to the findings.

This suggests that genetic testing could eventually help doctors steer sensitive patients toward medications they are more likely to tolerate.

"We believe these reports are a step forward in meeting an unmet need for a more informed and personalized approach to weight management," said study co-author Noura Abul-Husn, chief medical officer at the 23andMe Research Institute in California, in a press release.

While this genetic "boost" is measurable, it remains relatively modest when compared to the total average weight loss of 24 pounds observed across the study population, the researchers noted.

SHOULD YOU MICRODOSE OZEMPIC? EXPERTS ARE SPLIT ON RISKS VS BENEFITS

Beyond genetics, other factors such as age, sex and specific medications remain much stronger predictors of success.

For instance, the study found that women generally saw a higher body mass index (BMI) reduction (12.2%) compared to men (10.0%).

The study may also reveal why certain patients experience stomach issues. Scientists identified a different genetic variant that was linked to increased reports of nausea and vomiting.

The presence of this side effect did not impact the drug's effectiveness, however. Patients with variants in the GLP1R and GIPR genes lost just as much weight as those without it; they simply felt more sick during the process, the study found.

WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS COULD IMPACT SEXUAL HEALTH IN UNEXPECTED WAYS

"GLP-1 treatment decisions are complex, and having access to clinical expertise to help contextualize your genetic results alongside your full health picture is exactly the kind of guidance this report is designed to support," said Abul-Husn.

Dr. Peter Balazs, MD, a hormone and weight-loss specialist serving the New York and New Jersey area, was not involved in the study but reiterated the role of the genetic variants in treatment response and side effects.

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"Notably, there appears to be a drug-specific effect: The GIPR variant associated with these side effects is observed with tirzepatide, but not with semaglutide," he told Fox News Digital.

Balazs said he was surprised by the extremely wide nausea risk range (5%–78%). "Additionally, the drug-specific genetic dissociation was unexpected," he added.

The data relied on participants reporting their own weight, which could be subject to bias.

"The data is self-reported and not medically verified, which may affect its reliability firstly," Balazs told Fox News Digital. "It also does not account for key treatment variables, such as titration, discontinuation or dosing schedules."

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The 23andMe participant pool may not reflect a diverse, real-world population, he added.

"The study also lacks data on important clinical endpoints, such as diabetes progression, and severe adverse effects, such as gastroparesis or pancreatitis," Balazs pointed out. "Many of its findings also have not been supported by more clinically and statistically robust studies."

For example, a sub-study comparing these reports to objective iPhone health data suggested that participants might over-report their progress. While users reported an 11.8% loss, electronic data in that subset showed a 5.8% loss.

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As an observational study rather than a controlled clinical trial, it could not definitively prove that the genetic variants caused the difference in weight loss, only that they are associated with it, the researchers noted.

"I think this article is interesting, raising the possibility of genetic factors, and the use of genetic testing incorporated into further decision-making when picking weight-loss medications," Balazs said. "However, I would be careful to draw conclusions solely based on this study."

Sleeping with, or without, a pillow may have a sneaky impact on your health.

New research suggests that skipping the pillow could help prevent the development of glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss or blindness.

Glaucoma can be caused by elevated eye pressure, thinning of the optic nerve or fluid buildup, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

SLEEP PATTERNS COULD PREDICT RISK FOR DEMENTIA, CANCER AND STROKE, STUDY SUGGESTS

The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, found that eye pressure was higher in glaucoma patients who slept with two pillows compared to lying flat. Blood flow to the eye decreased in the high-pillow position.

This may occur due to the neck bending forward, compressing the veins, the authors suggested. Glaucoma patients may benefit from avoiding sleep postures that put the neck in this position, they concluded.

Dr. William Lu, medical director at Dreem Health, who was not involved in the study, called these findings "interesting and important."

"It highlights how something as simple as sleep posture can influence intra-ocular pressure in people with glaucoma," the San Francisco-based expert told Fox News Digital.

COMMON SLEEP AID COULD BE QUIETLY INTERFERING WITH YOUR REST, STUDY SUGGESTS

"That said, this is still early research, and it doesn’t mean pillows are inherently harmful – it’s more about how they’re used and the degree of elevation."

The key takeaway is "balance and personalization," Lu said. Most people don’t need to eliminate pillows, but should avoid "extreme positions," such as sleeping with the head sharply elevated or with the neck bent at an awkward angle, he noted.

Sleeping without a pillow can help promote a more neutral neck alignment for some people, especially those who sleep on their backs, according to Lu.

"That can reduce strain on the cervical spine and may improve comfort or reduce morning stiffness," he said. "In certain cases, it may also reduce pressure points that come from overly thick or unsupportive pillows."

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Going pillow-free isn’t ideal for side sleepers, who often need a pillow to keep the head aligned with the spine, Lu added.

"Without one, the neck can tilt downward and create strain over time," he said. "For others, skipping a pillow can worsen snoring or airway positioning, and people with existing neck or shoulder issues may actually feel worse without proper support."

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For those who have glaucoma or are at higher risk, Lu recommends discussing sleep posture with a healthcare provider and aiming for a position that keeps the head and neck aligned without excessive elevation.

"Small adjustments in sleep setup can be a simple but meaningful way to support overall health," he said.

In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Saema Tahir, a board-certified sleep disorder specialist in New York City, said these findings align with prior research showing that "how you elevate your head matters."

"Elevating the head of the bed itself can reduce eye pressure, but using multiple pillows may not have the same effect – and could even be counterproductive in some cases," she said.

Tahir stressed that there is "very limited high-quality evidence" showing health benefits from sleeping without a pillow.

"What matters most is maintaining proper alignment of the cervical spine, and that varies from person to person," she said. "Without adequate support, especially for side sleepers, the neck can fall out of alignment."

This can manifest as neck pain and stiffness, morning headaches, or shoulder and arm discomfort.

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"So, for many people, especially side sleepers, skipping a pillow can actually make sleep quality worse," the expert said.

"For those with glaucoma or at risk should avoid sleeping face-down with pressure on the eyes and should be cautious with very high or stacked pillows … Be mindful of side sleeping, as the lower eye can experience higher pressure."

The roar of the crowd at the Masters is a familiar sound, but during Rory McIlroy's final hole victory, he was tracking a different kind of data: the rhythm of his heart.

As the golfer secured his win, his wearable device revealed a heart rate of 117 beats per minute on his first putt, soaring to 150 during the post-win celebration, according to data released from his fitness wearable on Monday.

New York-based medical expert Dr. Mike Varshavski joined host Lawrence Jones on "Fox & Friends" on Tuesday to discuss whether these wearable devices are improving public health or simply fueling a new era of medical stress.

ARTHUR C. BROOKS DISCUSSES HOW TO FIND MEANING AND HAPPINESS IN A TECH-DRIVEN WORLD

For McIlroy, the device functions as both a performance tracker and a tool for managing the golfer’s long-term heart condition.

He shared his myocarditis diagnosis, which he received at the age of 20, in a podcast interview with the brand WHOOP.

"I can wear WHOOP, and I can monitor my HRV, my heart rate... just to be able to keep on top of that, it just gives me massive peace of mind," he said.

However, Varshavski shared a different opinion of consumer wearables. While acknowledging their value for "a big athletic event, PGA Tour [or] professional sports," the doctor expressed concern for the average user.

DEMENTIA RISK COULD BE TIED TO YOUR MINDSET AND OUTLOOK ON LIFE, STUDY SUGGESTS

"I would never recommend a consumer-grade device to track a true medical condition. This is not what these devices are intended to do."

Jones, an avid user of multiple devices, including the WHOOP, Oura Ring and Apple Watch, shared that the data helps him catch up on deficits and understand his recovery.

"Sometimes you don't understand if you're in a deep sleep, for example, or you may have gotten eight hours, but you weren't really, you were tossing and turning," Jones noted.

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Varshavski countered that an obsession with these metrics can actually backfire.

"When you start losing track of that by focusing on the numbers, not how you actually feel, I feel that disconnects you with your own body," he cautioned.

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"We have a medical term for this called orthosomnia, where we become so obsessed with these fitness trackers and the sleep data, but it actually fuels sleep anxiety."

Jones emphasized that for a population that has historically ignored internal health in favor of "how they look from a... superficial standpoint," these devices provide a necessary gateway to health awareness.

The doctor agreed that the motivational aspect is a win as long as the expectations remain realistic. He suggests treating the technology with the same perspective as any other piece of fitness gear.

"We can treat these devices like we would a new pair of running shoes. You know, if that gets you excited to get an exercise program, why not? Let's make use of it."

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A WHOOP spokesperson provided the following statement to Fox News Digital.

"The characterization of wearables as purely ‘consumer-grade’ fitness tools overlooks the significant advances in accuracy, validation, and real-world utility that devices like WHOOP now deliver."

"We believe discouraging individuals from engaging with their own health data runs counter to the future of healthcare, which is increasingly continuous, personalized and focused on prevention," the spokesperson added.

While U.S. cancer deaths have been falling over the past couple of decades, certain parts of the country are seeing less improvement in those numbers.

New research published in the British Journal of Cancer assessed the differences in cancer mortality improvements across the country.

Researchers at Mississippi State's Social Science Research Center, along with scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, analyzed death certificates between 1981 and 2019 across nearly 3,000 U.S. counties.

EATING MORE OF CERTAIN TYPE OF FOOD COULD SHORTEN CANCER SURVIVORS' LIVES, STUDY FINDS

The data was drawn from Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER), which is operated by the CDC. More than 21.3 million cancer deaths were included in the records.

Overall, U.S. cancer mortality has declined by about 32% between 1991 and 2019, but not all areas experienced that level of improvement.

The highest rates of mortality decline and the biggest drop in excess deaths were seen in urban, coastal and higher-income counties, according to the study. Rural and lower-income counties had smaller declines in mortality.

"In a complex nation such as the U.S., we should not be too surprised that there are large differences in health outcomes shaped by the diversity and variety of local regions and groups," Arthur G. Cosby, the study's lead author, told Fox News Digital. He is a Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Mississippi State. 

RED FLAGS FOR COLORECTAL CANCER THAT WARRANT SCREENINGS BEFORE 45 YEARS OF AGE

"Cancer improvement over the last few decades certainly aligns with this perspective," he said. 

The gap appeared to widen over time, researchers noted. By 2019, the top 10% highest-income counties had a roughly seven times greater mortality improvement than the lowest-income counties.

The large urban centers along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts consistently had among the highest rates of cancer improvement, according to Cosby. Rural and smaller cities in the interior of the U.S. often had much lower rates.

"The magnitude of the mortality differences between coastal and inland regions, [and] the large differences between places with different income levels and rural/urban places, were larger than I anticipated," Cosby said.

CANCER SURVIVAL RATES REACH RECORD HIGH, BUT DEADLIEST TYPES STILL PUT AMERICANS AT RISK

"The link between improving health and increasing disparities is poorly understood. I am pursuing that question now," he added.

The researchers pointed to several factors that could contribute to the declines in cancer mortality. These included a decline in tobacco use and improved cancer screenings and treatments.

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"Wealthy, metropolitan New York City has been aggressive in instituting tobacco control measures, and the results show," Cosby noted. "Manhattan had a lung cancer rate of 49 per 100,000 in 1991. By 2019, it cut its rate to 19.6 — a 60% reduction."

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, agreed that more aggressive preventive measures targeting smoking and alcohol use likely played a role in the sharper mortality decline in urban, affluent areas.

"More aggressive screening campaigns, including at major medical centers, can diagnose pre-cancers or cancers earlier," Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

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A focus on improved lifestyle habits and less exposure to environmental toxins could also play a role, he added.

The study had some limitations, as noted by the authors.

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Because the research was conducted at the county level, the results may not apply at the individual level. 

Also, unmeasured factors such as lifestyle behaviors and access to healthcare could impact mortality.

"There are many limitations associated with the use of death certificates in research, such as accuracy of cause of death, possible multiple causes and changes in medical explanation for death over time," Cosby told Fox News Digital.

Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for more studies that take into account the significant variations that exist across the country.

"The varying speed of adoption of life-saving interventions between geographic places may produce increasing disparities," Cosby said. "It is possible to have a situation where nearly all places are improving their cancer mortality, but at much different rates."

Weight management is often treated as a "middle-age" problem, but new research suggests that the pounds you pack on in your 20s may be the most dangerous of your life.

A massive study of more than 620,000 individuals found that the damage from early weight gain is disproportionately high and surprisingly permanent. According to the findings, the younger someone is when obesity sets in, the higher the risk of early mortality.

The study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, analyzed data from the Obesity and Disease Development Sweden project.

MEN FACE HIDDEN HEART RISK YEARS EARLIER THAN WOMEN, STUDY SUGGESTS

"The most consistent finding is that weight gain at a younger age is linked to a higher risk of premature death later in life, compared with people who gain less weight," Tanja Stocks, a professor at Lund University and one of the researchers behind the study, said in a press release.

Developing obesity between the ages of 17 and 29 was linked to a 70% higher risk of early death compared to weight gain later in life.

Weight gain later in adulthood, between ages 30 and 60, was also linked to higher death rates, but the connections were generally weaker.

HERE'S THE AGE WHEN STRENGTH AND FITNESS BEGIN FADING, LONG-TERM DATA SHOWS

"One possible explanation for why people with early obesity onset are at greater risk is their longer period exposed to the biological effects of excess weight," Huyen Le, a doctoral student at Lund University and first author of the study, said in the release.

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When weight gain happens in the 20s, the blood vessels, liver and metabolic systems endure obesity-related strain for decades longer than someone who gains the same weight in their 50s, experts say.

The study identified type 2 diabetes as the leading cause of death associated with early-onset obesity. Other significant risks included high-blood pressure, liver cancer in men and uterine cancer in women.

To reach these conclusions, researchers tracked participants’ weight paths across adulthood over more than 50 years, focusing on three specific windows: ages 17 to 29, 30 to 44, and 45 to 60.

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Using a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher to define obesity, the team compared weight data against Sweden’s national death registry.

After adjusting for a variety of factors, including smoking habits and marital status, the trend showed that becoming obese later in life still carried risks, but the danger compounded the longer people stayed obese.

While these findings highlight the "importance of early and sustained obesity prevention strategies," the researchers noted that other factors come into play, and that increases in risk within a population can be difficult to interpret.

"We shouldn’t get too hung up on exact risk figures," Stocks said.

"They are rarely entirely accurate, as they are influenced, for example, by the factors taken into account in the study and the accuracy with which both risk factors and outcomes have been measured."

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Because the study was conducted in Sweden, more research is needed to understand the effect of early-onset obesity in other populations, the team noted.

A drug-resistant bacterial infection has been on the rise in the U.S. in recent years, according to an alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Shigella, a gram-negative bacteria, causes a diarrheal illness called shigellosis. Drug-resistant incidences of the infection have "increased substantially" in the U.S. between 2011 and 2023.

Researchers analyzed over 16,000 Shigella samples, testing them for antibiotic resistance to determine how many would not respond to commonly used antibiotics.

DEADLY 'SUPERBUG' IS SPREADING ACROSS US AS DRUG RESISTANCE GROWS, RESEARCHERS WARN

In 2011, there were no cases of highly drug-resistant Shigella infections; by 2023, approximately 8.5% of infections met that criteria.

The findings were published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on April 9.

Drug resistance was defined as not responding to ampicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which are the antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections like Shigella.

No FDA–approved oral antimicrobial agents are available to treat drug-resistant cases, the CDC stated.

The majority of patients were adult men (86%), with a median age of 41. Among patients who reported their travel history, more than 80% said they had not left the country recently, suggesting that infections were spreading within the U.S.

About one in three infected patients required hospitalization, the report stated. Among the people who provided their HIV status, nearly half were infected with the virus.

The study had some limitations, the researchers noted. There is the chance that the CDC’s surveillance data may not capture all U.S. cases, and there may be missing data for key variables like travel history and HIV status.

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Also, the findings may not be generalizable to all populations or settings.

To combat the rise of resistant infections, the CDC researchers emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and public health response.

Most people infected with Shigella will experience diarrhea (which can be bloody and prolonged), fever and stomach pain, starting one or two days after exposure, according to the CDC. Some people do not have any signs of illness, however.

Symptoms typically last for five to seven days, but some people may experience prolonged sickness for several weeks.

In rare cases, infected patients may develop complications such as reactive arthritis, bloodstream infections, seizures or hemolytic-uremic syndrome, which involves damage to blood vessels in the kidneys.

Shigella germs spread easily through an infected person's stool. People can become infected if they get Shigella germs on their hands and then touch their food or mouth, according to the CDC. 

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This can happen changing the diaper of an infected child or caring for someone with the illness.

Touching contaminated surfaces can also increase the risk.

Eating raw food or contaminated produce can also lead to infection, as can swallowing recreational water containing the germ.

Young children, travelers, gay or bisexual men, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting Shigella, the CDC cautioned.

To reduce the risk of contracting Shigella, experts recommend carefully washing your hands with soap and water after activities that could cause exposure.

It is also important to avoid swallowing water from lakes, ponds or pools, and to follow safe food and water habits while traveling, per the CDC.

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Sexual activity should be avoided if a partner has been diagnosed.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should see a doctor, and should stay home while sick.

In a sweeping analysis of more than 400,000 Reddit posts, researchers have revealed some little-known GLP-1 side effects.

GLP-1 receptor agonists — such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) — have been most commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.

A new study published in Nature Health, however, uncovered some overlooked effects.

SHOULD YOU MICRODOSE OZEMPIC? EXPERTS ARE SPLIT ON RISKS VS BENEFITS

University of Pennsylvania researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze more than five years of Reddit posts from more than 67,000 people taking the popular drugs for diabetes or weight loss.

While clinical trials are still the "gold standard," the researchers noted that Reddit community feedback reflects a different population.

"People often use medications differently than they're prescribed, so it's also important to look at real-world usage, which can diverge from usage in a clinical trial," lead researcher Neil Sehgal, a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania, told Fox News Digital. "So there are many possible reasons we're seeing signals that the trials may have missed."

Nearly half of the users reported one or more side effects. The most common were nausea, vomiting and constipation, which aligned with what clinical trials found, according to Sehgal.

"We did notice a few side effects that have not previously been reported for these drugs," he told Fox News Digital. 

"For example, about 4% of users who described side effects reported menstrual irregularities. Other Redditors described unusual temperature-related symptoms, like chills or hot flashes."

OBESITY EXPERT REVEALS THE BEST WAY TO DECIDE IF GLP-1S ARE RIGHT FOR YOU

Nearly 13% of users also experienced psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. More than 5% also complained of abdominal pain, acid reflux, headache and dizziness.

"Fatigue was also the second most commonly reported symptom overall, but has met relatively few reporting thresholds in existing trials," Sehgal noted. "This gap between what patients are self-reporting online and what gets captured in trials is really what motivated this whole line of work."

Dr. Sue Decotiis, a New York City-based board-certified weight-loss physician, noted that many of the reported symptoms, such as disorientation and fatigue, are most likely due to dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

"Patients should be carefully monitored using a structured protocol that ensures proper nutrition and adequate hydration, ideally under the direct supervision of a physician experienced in metabolism and weight loss," Decotiis, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

"Additionally, body composition analysis can help identify issues such as muscle loss, excessive water loss or insufficient fat loss."

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A significant concern, according to the doctor, is that many individuals are accessing these medications through online platforms or without receiving appropriate medical care. 

"In my experience treating thousands of patients with various GLP-1 medications, complications are rare and typically occur only when patients are noncompliant," she added.

As the data came from Reddit users, who tend to be younger, primarily male and mostly based in the U.S., it may not represent everyone taking these medications, the researchers noted.

"And even within Reddit, the people who post about their side effects are probably not typical of everyone on the medication," Sehgal said. "If you had a good experience, you're less likely to be writing about it online. So we're almost certainly capturing a skewed slice of the full picture."

The researchers also noted that the study can’t prove the drug caused the reported symptoms.

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"To be clear, we can’t say for certain whether these drugs are causing menstrual irregularities," Sehgal said. "Patients on Reddit aren't going to self-report every symptom they have, and they may also report things that aren't actually linked to the medications. So it's important to treat this as hypothesis-generating signals and do more research."

The study also didn’t include GLP-1 dosage, duration of the medication and symptoms, or other health conditions the users experienced. There is also the chance that the AI tools misunderstood meanings or context, the researchers noted.

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The results must be confirmed with more rigorous research, Sehgal said. "That's how we'll get real answers about prevalence and causality, which social media data alone can't provide." 

"These are signals, not conclusions – but I do think it's always worth talking to your doctor about anything unexpected you're experiencing while on a new medication, even if you're not sure if it's related," he advised. "So if something feels off, say something."

Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, provided the below statement to Fox News Digital related to the study.

"We welcome research that seeks to better understand patients’ perspectives. It’s important, however, to put this analysis into the proper context. It is based on unverified, self-reported social media posts, which do not establish cause and effect and should not be treated as confirmation of new side effects."

The company noted that the safety information for semaglutide is based on "rigorous clinical trials, regulatory review and ongoing monitoring."

"Semaglutide has been extensively examined in robust clinical development programs, large real-world-evidence studies and has cumulatively over 49 million patient-years of exposure, and its safety and effectiveness are well understood."

Anemia, a common blood disorder, may be a major risk factor for developing cancer.

That's according to new research from Sweden, which sought to discover whether newly developed anemia is an early warning sign of cancer or death from any cause.

The study, published in BMJ Journals, looked at registry data from more than 380,000 Swedish adults – half were people with new-onset anemia and the other half were the same age and gender, but did not have anemia.

All participants were over 18 years old and cancer-free at the start of the study.

The results showed that people with incident anemia – new cases occurring over a specific period – had a significantly higher chance of being diagnosed with cancer, especially in the first three months, according to a press release. This included 6.2% of men and 2.8% of women.

Individuals with anemia also had a much higher chance of death during the 18-month follow-up.

Specific types of anemia were individually linked to disease progression and mortality, the researchers discovered.

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Microcytic anemia – where the red blood cells are smaller than normal – was more frequently linked to cancer, especially types of disease that impact the digestive system and the blood.

Macrocytic anemia, a type of anemia where the red blood cells are larger than normal, was more strongly linked to overall mortality than cancer.

The researchers concluded in the study that new-onset anemia is a "strong and sustained risk marker" for both incident cancer and all-cause mortality.

Lead study author Elinor Nemlander, researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society at the Karolinska Institutet, commented on the findings in a press release from the Swedish medical university.

"We found that both the risk of cancer and the risk of death are highest during the first months after anemia is detected, but that the increased risk persists later during follow-up as well," she said. "Our findings suggest that anemia may be a sign of underlying disease rather than a condition in its own right."

Speaking with Fox News Digital, Nemlander noted that measures like red blood cell size are already "routinely available" in primary care, and that the study highlights how this existing data can be used to identify early risk.

"At the same time, the elevated risks persist over time, underscoring the need for structured follow-up and clear plans for continued evaluation, even when cancer is not initially identified," she said.

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As the study was observational, it shows an association, but does not prove that anemia causes cancer or death.

The research also did not measure for all causes of anemia, including alcohol use, malnutrition, chronic liver disease, inflammatory conditions and gynecological blood loss.

"Some of the results may also be influenced by who gets tested, underlying illnesses and differences in how anemia is evaluated in different healthcare settings," Nemlander added.

In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Brian Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology and co-chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, commented on this being "one of the largest" studies of its kind.

"One interesting observation is that the cancer risk increases early, within the first three months," he said. "This suggests that there were [hidden] or early identification of cancers, not necessarily a causation."

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The expert suggested that since this is a Swedish study, the results are not likely to be transferable to the U.S. population.

Slomovitz added that the follow-up is "relatively short" at 18 months, so it "really doesn’t address any long-term risk."

"I think the main take-home point here is that in those patients who are identified as being anemic, their healthcare provider should look a little bit closer to see if there’s an underlying malignancy, and perhaps this early detection can improve outcomes in the long-term."

New research has identified a possible link between a person’s outlook on life and their risk of developing dementia.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, examined whether having higher levels of optimism could reduce the chances of cognitive decline over time.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 9,000 adults who were cognitively healthy at the start of the study. Participants were followed for up to 14 years, with more than 3,000 developing dementia during that period.

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Those who reported higher levels of optimism on a questionnaire had about a 15% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with less optimism, even after adjusting for factors such as age, education, depression and major health conditions, according to a study press release.

The findings were consistent across demographic groups and remained largely unchanged after accounting for health behaviors and mental health status.

The results suggest that emotional and psychological factors may play a role in brain health as people age, the researchers noted.

"Our personal emotional and social resources — like how hopeful and positive we feel about the future — may be related to keeping our brains healthy," said lead study author Säde Stenlund, a social and behavioral sciences researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in the release.

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The findings align with previous research linking optimism to other health benefits.

People with a more positive outlook were shown to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and may be more likely to live longer.

The researchers noted that the study was observational, meaning it only shows an association and cannot prove that optimism directly reduces the risk of dementia.

Other factors not measured in the study may have influenced the results, and changes in mood might be an early sign of dementia rather than a cause of it, they added.

Still, the findings point to a potential area for future research.

"Since optimism may be increased through relatively simple, low-intensity programs, it is helpful to understand how it is related to health in aging," Stenlund said.

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More studies, including clinical trials, are needed to determine whether boosting optimism could have a measurable impact on long-term dementia risk.

Fox News Digital previously reported that while dementia cases are rising, certain lifestyle habits may help reduce risk.

New York neurologist Dr. Joel Salinas previously told Fox News Digital that factors such as diet, exercise and social engagement play a key role in brain health.

"It’s about putting the odds in your favor that you'll be less likely to develop one of these conditions, or at least delay the onset of symptoms," he said.

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Experts also recommend addressing conditions such as hearing loss, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, as these factors have been linked to cognitive decline.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

An increasing number of patients are requesting "unvaccinated" blood for transfusions, which can delay care and pose risks to patients’ health, experts warn.

There is no evidence that unvaccinated blood presents any safety benefit, according to a new study published in the journal Transfusion.

There is currently no process for checking whether donated blood comes from vaccinated or unvaccinated donors, experts say.

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Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, which conducted the research, received 15 requests for unvaccinated blood between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025. The median age of patients was 17 years old and more than half were children, the university reported.

Thirteen of the patients received blood donated specifically for them by family members, which is known as "direct donation." This can be risky, because most direct donors are giving blood for the first time, and their donations are more likely to contain "potentially harmful pathogens," the authors noted. 

"Despite being framed as ‘safer,’ directed donations may paradoxically increase risk."

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Among the studied patient group, two became much sicker after refusing a standard blood transfusion. 

One patient developed anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen. The other developed hemodynamic shock, a serious condition in which there is insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the body’s tissues, potentially leading to organ failure.

Requests for unvaccinated blood spiked after the approval of COVID-19 vaccines, posing a "recurring challenge for transfusion services and clinicians," the researchers stated.

"These requests were associated with care delays, escalation and inefficiencies," they indicated.

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The researchers recommend that health systems create standardized policies to handle these types of requests.

"Regulatory and professional organizations have opposed these non-evidence-based policies, emphasizing that blood centers do not record or convey donor COVID-19 vaccination status and that evidence demonstrates transfusion from vaccinated donors poses no unique risk."

The Vanderbilt study had some limitations, the researchers noted. It looked at a few cases and only included situations where special blood donations made it to the blood bank, so it doesn’t show how often people made this request overall. 

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It also didn’t include cases where concerns were resolved through conversations with doctors or ethics teams, the team noted.

As this was an observational study and not a controlled experiment, it only showed an association and could not prove that refusing standard blood directly caused any specific patient outcomes.

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Several states have introduced proposals aimed at allowing patients to receive blood specifically from donors who have not received COVID-19 vaccines.

In Oklahoma, one such proposal called for the creation of a state-run blood bank dedicated to collecting and distributing blood from unvaccinated donors. Despite these efforts, none of the measures have been enacted into law.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, was not involved in the research, but said these types of requests are "part of an ongoing fear culture."

"It is also very difficult to test for, because the antibodies may be positive from COVID itself as well as the vaccine, and it can be difficult to tell the difference," he told Fox News Digital.

The notion that receiving blood from someone who had the vaccine would be harmful is not based on any scientific studies, the doctor reiterated.

"If people want to group up to get blood from other unvaccinated people, I respect that choice, though it will be expensive and will limit options," Siegel added.

Diane Calmus, vice president of government affairs for America’s Blood Centers in Washington, D.C., said that requests for direct donations are "exceedingly rare" – representing about 0.06% of the U.S. blood supply.

"Requests for unvaccinated blood are something we've seen wax and wane since the introduction of the COVID vaccine," Calmus, who also was not involved in the Vanderbilt study, told Fox News Digital. "The challenge is that there's no way to tell whether someone’s blood has been vaccinated – there's no test that exists."

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Any situation where someone requires a blood transfusion is most likely a "very scary time," she noted.

"Family members want to be cautious, and this is why it's so important that people talk to a transfusion medicine-trained doctor," the expert advised. "These are physicians who have a specialty in blood transfusions … and who can answer those questions that any individual will have."

Calmus pointed out that it takes some time to facilitate a direct donation, and that there is a specific process in place. 

"Blood has to be prescribed. You can't just show up at the blood center and say, ‘I would like my sister to donate for me,’" she said. "There needs to be a prescription. It needs to go through the hospital … they need to make sure it is the right blood for the right patient."

Calmus emphasized that the U.S. blood supply is "meticulously tracked," and that there have been no indications of a lack of safety. She also stressed the ongoing need for blood donors.

"We need people – vaccinated or not vaccinated – to show up and donate blood, because it is the blood on the shelves that saves lives."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Vanderbilt researchers for comment.