Older adults in the U.S. remain at higher risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Adults age 65 and older accounted for nearly 63% of all COVID-related hospitalizations between January and August 2023, the CDC reported on Friday.

In a majority of those cases, the patients had “multiple underlying conditions,” according to the agency’s report. 

The most common of those conditions were diabetes, kidney disorders, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure or cardiomyopathy, and obesity.

NEW COVID VACCINE PUSH IS ‘ANTI-HUMAN,’ SAYS FLORIDA SURGEON GENERAL: ‘MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN’

“This is very important information that adds to what we already knew previously — that being over 65 years old, especially with chronic or pre-existing medical conditions, increases a person’s risk of hospitalization from COVID,” said Dr. Marc Siegel.

He is a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor; he was not involved in the CDC study.

Some 76.5% of the patients 65 and older were not up-to-date on COVID vaccinations, which Siegel called “disturbing.”

“Only 23% had taken the bivalent booster, meaning they didn’t have the best immune protection,” he told Fox News Digital. “The overall bivalent vaccine uptake in this age group was much higher, showing once again that the vaccine helps protects against severe outcome.”

COVID VACCINE POLL FINDS MORE THAN HALF OF ADULTS ARE LIKELY TO SAY ‘NO THANKS’ TO THE VAX

To generate the report, the CDC analyzed data from the COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET).

During the study period, the rates of hospitalization among adults 65 and older more than doubled, the CDC reported — going from 6.8 per 100,000 people to 16.4 per 100,000.

The data highlights that the elderly in particular — especially those with underlying health conditions — should “speak with their physician and seriously consider taking the current COVID vaccine that covers circulating subvariants,” a doctor said. (iStock)

“These findings suggest that COVID-19-associated hospitalization continues to predominantly affect adults aged ≥65 years and represent a continued public health threat,” the CDC wrote in its summary of the findings.

NEW COVID POLL: DEMOCRATS HAVE A ‘PARTICULARLY NEGATIVE’ OUTLOOK, ARE MOST LIKELY TO KEEP WEARING MASKS

For adults of all ages, however, rates of COVID–19–associated hospitalizations actually declined during the study period.

“These findings suggest that COVID-19-associated hospitalization continues to predominantly affect adults aged ≥65 years and represent a continued public health threat.” 

“Because adults aged ≥65 years remain at increased risk for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and severe outcomes, guidance for this age group should continue to focus on measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, encourage vaccination, and promote early treatment for persons who receive a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result to reduce their risk for severe COVID-19-associated outcomes,” the CDC stated in its report.

Study had limitations

There were some limitations in the study, the CDC acknowledged.

First, some COVID-19-related hospitalizations might have been missed due to lack of testing.

Also, there is the possibility that any given patient’s symptoms might have been “misclassified.”

In a majority of those cases, the patients had “multiple underlying conditions,” according to the health agency’s report. (iStock)

“Hospitalization records that do not specify COVID-19 or respiratory illness as a likely presenting complaint can still result in COVID-19-related illness and might affect clinical decision-making and the course of hospitalization,” the agency stated.

Also, the database from which the CDC drew its patient information only represented about 10% of the U.S. population — so “these findings might not be nationally generalizable.”

Dr. Marc Siegel from NYU Langone (left) and Dr. Brett Osborn from Senolytix in Florida (right) weighed in on the CDC’s new report about COVID hos (Dr. Marc Siegel/Dr. Brett Osborn)

Siegel also said, “This data further underlines that the elderly in particular — and those with underlying health conditions — should speak with their physician and seriously consider taking the current COVID vaccine that covers circulating subvariants.”

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert who was also not involved in the study, noted that the statement about COVID-related hospitalizations qualifying as a “continued public threat” must be taken in context. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“COVID-19 and its variants continue to and will continue to threaten the aged and those with multiple comorbidities (i.e., diabetes, obesity, and kidney disorders),” Osborn told Fox News Digital. 

“Over time, however, this effect will dissipate as the virulence of the SARS-COV-2 virus (and particularly its variants) declines,” he went on. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Ultimately, hospitalizations will decrease to a steady hum with intermittent spikes representing a novel variant to which the susceptible population has been exposed – likely during flu season. This is already occurring.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. 

We’ve all heard about the “runner’s high” — but could that exercise-induced euphoria be as effective as antidepressants?

A new study from Vrije University in Amsterdam compared the effects of antidepressants and running on anxiety, depression and overall health during a 16-week period.

The study included 141 patients who had depression and/or anxiety. They were given the option to choose to take SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants or to participate in group-based running therapy for a 16-week period, according to a press release from the university.

7 HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT COULD HELP REDUCE RISK OF DEPRESSION, SAYS STUDY: ‘ENORMOUS BENEFITS’

Most of the patients — 96 of them — chose running, while 45 chose antidepressants.

The results of the study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders and presented at the ECNP Congress in Barcelona this weekend, showed that running and medications offer about the same benefits for mental health.

In terms of physical health, the running demonstrated improvements, while the antidepressants had a slightly negative impact.

One drawback of the running was that it had a much higher dropout rate, the study found.

“We wanted to compare how exercise or antidepressants affect your general health, not just your mental health,” said lead researcher Brenda Penninx, a professor from Vrije University, Amsterdam, when she presented the work at the ECNP conference in Barcelona.

YOUNG WOMAN IS TALKED OUT OF SUICIDE BY A PASSERBY, AN OFF-DUTY PARAMEDIC: ‘ARE YOU OK?’

“This study gave anxious and depressed people a real-life choice, medication or exercise,” she went on. “Interestingly, the majority opted for exercise, which led to the numbers in the running group being larger than in the medication group.”

The antidepressant group took the medication Escitalopram (brand name Lexapro), which is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

The running group participated in two to three “closely supervised” 45-minute group sessions per week.

The antidepressant group in the study done in Amsterdam took the medication Escitalopram (brand name Lexapro), which is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. (iStock)

Although more people chose the running therapy, only 52% of them adhered to the exercise routine — while 82% of the antidepressant group stuck to their medications, the release stated.

At the end of the 16-week period, some 44% of the people in both groups showed improvements in their depression and anxiety symptoms.

“Both interventions helped with the depression to around the same extent. Antidepressants generally had worse impact on body weight, heart rate variability and blood pressure, whereas running therapy led to improved effect on general fitness and heart rate,” said Penninx.

EXERCISE OF ANY AMOUNT COULD HELP INCREASE PAIN TOLERANCE, NEW STUDY FINDS

There is room for both therapies in managing depression, the researcher added. 

“The study shows that lots of people like the idea of exercising, but it can be difficult to carry this through, even though the benefits are significant.”

Antidepressants are “generally safe and effective” for most people, Penninx said — although they do have potential side effects for some people.

The running group participated in two to three “closely supervised” 45-minute group sessions per week. (iStock)

“We know that not treating depression at all leads to worse outcomes, so antidepressants are generally a good choice … but not all patients respond to antidepressants or are willing to take them.”

The study findings suggest that exercise therapy could be a good — and maybe even better — choice for some patients, she added.

And running isn’t the only way to implement exercise therapy, Penninx noted during an interview with Fox News Digital.

10 TIPS TO LIVE TO BE 100: ‘FAR MORE THAN WISHFUL THINKING,’ SAY LONGEVITY EXPERTS

“My personal belief is that no matter what type of exercise people are participating in, as long as it has a minimal intensity, increases fitness and people are adhering to it for a longer period, it could be beneficial for mental as well as physical health,” she said.

However, exercise shouldn’t be regarded as a “miracle medicine,” Penninx said.

The study findings suggest that exercise therapy could be a good — and maybe even better — choice for some patients as compared to taking antidepressants. (iStock)

“In both treatment groups, there were persons who responded and persons that did not respond,” she said. 

“So, our findings should not be interpreted in such a way that all depressed people can just stop with medication and switch to running.”

She added, “However, our study does illustrate that we should consider lifestyle treatments, such as running therapy, much more in mental health care.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Patients who want to ease off antidepressant medications should talk to a doctor, Penninx said, as this might not be the right action for all people with depression.

“Some people clearly benefit from antidepressants, other people may benefit from running therapy, and others may need both to recover from depression,” she said to Fox News Digital. 

“However, in the meantime, we need to extend the treatment arsenal for depression and better integrate and implement lifestyle programs in mental health care.”

“The study shows that lots of people like the idea of exercising, but it can be difficult to carry this through, even though the benefits are significant,” a study researcher told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Melanie Avalon, a health influencer, entrepreneur and biohacker based in Atlanta, was not involved in the study, but previously offered her insights on how lifestyle factors can help prevent depression.

“Physical activity exhibits profound potential for preventing, mitigating and resolving depression,” Avalon told Fox News Digital last month.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Studies find that consistent exercise sessions can reduce depression severity on a moderate to large scale, without the potential negative side effects that may accompany pharmacological treatment.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proposed a new guideline this week for high-risk patients to take the antibiotic known as doxycycline as a morning-after pill to decrease the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Experts say health officials will likely endorse the guideline, which was published on Monday in the Federal Register.

The public has 45 days to comment on the proposal.

AS AMOXOCILLIN SHORTAGE CONTINUES, PRESCRIPTIONS HAVE PLUMMETED, STUDY FINDS: ‘IMMEDIATE, SWEEPING EFFECT’ 

The CDC’s guideline is based on previous studies that show a “demonstrated benefit” in specifically reducing chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections after people took a single 200 milligram doxycycline pill no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex.

The CDC originally concluded in its previous 2021 sexually transmitted infection treatment guidelines that more research was needed regarding whether doxycycline was effective at preventing sexually transmitted infections.

Gay, bisexual men and transgender women

Several recent randomized trials, however, showed that when high-risk patients took doxycycline within three days of unprotected sex, they were significantly less likely to get chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea — compared with people who did not take the pills after sex.

The studies focused on gay and bisexual men as well as transgender women at higher risk to contract a sexually transmitted infection.

One of the most prominent of these recent studies was published in The New England Journal of Medicine earlier this year.

The studies focused on gay and bisexual men as well as transgender women at higher risk to contract a sexually transmitted infection.

It showed a two-thirds decrease in the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia among study participants, all of whom had a sexually transmitted infection within the previous year.

Currently, there is not enough evidence that the strategy will also benefit heterosexual men and women. 

“This preventative medication will certainly provide some benefit against the increasing STD rates that we are seeing in this country,” said one infectious disease expert to Fox News Digital. “However, it doesn’t do anything to address the high-risk behaviors that people are engaging in.” (iStock)

The CDC emphasized in the proposed guideline that the antibiotic is indicated only for gay, bisexual men and transgender women.

“This preventative medication will certainly provide some benefit against the increasing STD rates that we are seeing in this country,” Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital. 

‘SILENT PANDEMIC’ WARNING FROM WHO: BACTERIA KILLING TOO MANY PEOPLE DUE TO ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

“However, it doesn’t do anything to address the high-risk behaviors that people are engaging in,” he cautioned. 

“There is a concern that such preventive therapies will make people comfortable in engaging in high-risk behavior, thinking that they will be protected.”

STIs skyrocketed in recent years

Sexually transmitted infections have increased by 42% from 2011 to 2021, with more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported in 2021, according to the CDC.

In 2021, gonorrhea rates increased more than 4%, syphilis rates rose by approximately 32% for combined stages of the infection, and chlamydia rates increased nearly 4%.

Sexually transmitted infections have increased by 42% from 2011 to 2021, with more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported in 2021, according to the CDC. (iStock)

A specific type of syphilis that infants get at birth known as congenital syphilis increased by more the 203% in the past five years, the CDC added. 

What is doxycycline?

Doxycycline is a common antibiotic often prescribed to treat acne, prevent Lyme disease and prevent malaria.

It is also the drug of choice to treat Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacteria that causes the sexually transmitted infection known as chlamydia.

Doxycycline is a cheap antibiotic that has been available for more than 40 years. 

Although penicillin is the drug of choice to treat Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, many health care providers are currently using doxycycline as an alternative to treat the infection because of the national shortage of penicillin.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The antibiotic can make patients more sun-sensitive, so doctors always encourage patients to wear sunscreen when taking the medication.

It also can cause erosions and ulcers in the esophagus, so patients are encouraged to take the medication at least one hour before going to bed.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Doxycycline is a cheap antibiotic that has been available for more than 40 years, according to the Associated Press. 

A year ago, San Francisco’s health department began promoting doxycycline as a morning-after prevention measure, the AP also reported.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Many Swifties are experiencing a post-concert “blank space.”

Fans of international pop star Taylor Swift have reported a lack of memory after attending Eras Tour concerts — with some saying they’re even forgetting chunks of her performance.

Experts at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey researched why concertgoers are experiencing blackouts after their big night out.

TAYLOR SWIFT SUPERFAN SPENT NEARLY $9K TO ATTEND 12 ERAS TOUR CONCERTS

Dr. Nathan Carroll, associate chief resident psychiatrist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, linked the memory loss after concerts to a neurological condition called transient global amnesia (TGA).

TGA is a “rare phenomenon impacting memory,” the researcher told Fox News Digital.

“Individuals who experience TGA will attend an event (like a concert, wedding or festival) and later report undeniable gaps in their memory,” he said.

This type of memory loss is different from normal forgetfulness, Carroll said.

ASPARTAME COULD CAUSE MEMORY AND LEARNING DEFICITS IN FUTURE GENERATIONS, A NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

“For example, during the event, it may look like you’re acting normally and answering questions — but later, you may not recall some of your conversations,” he said.

“Unlike other amnesias, memory loss is very limited, only lasting about a day, and people don’t forget [autobiographical] information.”

Harry Styles is shown closing out his last “Love On Tour” show at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 21, 2022, in New York City after playing 15 consecutive nights. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)

TGA can develop due to elevated blood pressure, strenuous physical activity and emotional excitement, which Carroll said are all “theorized to temporarily impair the functioning of the memory center of our brain, the hippocampus.”

THE TAYLOR SWIFT OBSESSION: PSYCHOLOGIST WEIGHS IN ON WHY FANS WORSHIP CELEBRITIES

“What’s interesting is that the concertgoers are only recognizing the memory loss post-event,” he said. 

“Thanks to social media, there’s constant communication and sharing of experiences online, which allows us to notice patterns that we may have otherwise missed.”

“They actually experience TGA during the event but don’t realize it at the time.”

The researchers’ findings suggest that certain risk factors may make Eras Tour concertgoers more susceptible to TGA.

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Lumen Field on July 22, 2023, in Seattle, Washington.  (Mat Hayward/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

These include lack of sleep, poor hydration, anticipation and pre-existing anxiety or depression, Carroll said.

Environmental risk factors include the intensity of the concert, engagement with the music, crowd-induced excitement and a sense of surprise throughout the event.

TAYLOR SWIFT QUIZ! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE FAMOUS POP MUSICIAN?

Fellow researcher Dr. Soha Salman, attending psychiatrist at Hackensack Jersey Shore University Medical Center, said Taylor Swift isn’t the only pop star who’s causing this impact.

Fans attend “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Empower Field At Mile High on July 14, 2023, in Denver, Colorado.  (Tom Cooper/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

“Because there’s been such an outpouring of reports of this amnesia from the concert, it seems as though it’s specific to Taylor Swift, when that’s not actually the case,” she told Fox News Digital.

“There are similar reports from concert-goers who attended Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ tour this summer, as well as reports from Harry Styles’ concerts,” Salman said. 

TAYLOR SWIFT ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR RE-RECORDED ALBUM ‘1989 (TAYLOR’S VERSION)’

“Thanks to social media, there’s constant communication and sharing of experiences online, which allows us to notice patterns that we may have otherwise missed.” 

But, Salman suggested, it’s understandable that so many Swifties experience this overwhelming phenomenon, as many attendees undergo intense nostalgia due to the Eras Tour’s throwback structure.

“The emotional connection to her music may be one of the reasons fans are experiencing this memory loss,” she said. 

Taylor Swift’s passionate fans are known as “Swifties.” A sense of bonding at the pop star’s concerts releases adrenaline and cortisol — hormones that are involved in the brain’s memory-making process. (John Shearer/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

Salman also mentioned that a sense of bonding at Taylor Swift’s concerts releases adrenaline and cortisol — both hormones involved in the brain’s memory-making process.

“The connection between heightened emotional states and the release of these hormones is one of the things we are researching further,” she said.

This type of amnesia doesn’t only happen after a concert, but can occur after any “physically exerting or emotionally arousing event,” said Salman.

TAYLOR SWIFT’S EXES: BABY NAMES INSPIRED BY THE SINGER’S FORMER FLAMES REVEALED

“We did find in our research that there were reports of people experiencing similar amnesia after attending sporting events and weddings,” the doctor said.

There are no lingering effects or neurological deficits with the condition, Carroll added, which “helps distinguish TGA from more serious health issues that can cause memory loss, such as a stroke.”

Beyoncé performs onstage during the “Renaissance” world tour at MetLife Stadium on July 29, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)

“Still, it is best to have a doctor check you out with any notable memory loss,” he said.

A person experiencing TGA will show no signs of distress and will “act, talk and behave normally,” Carroll noted.

It is only “a short time later, when questioned about the event, [that] the person with TGA realizes they have memory gaps,” he said. 

“These memory gaps typically go away in about a day.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

TGA is much more common in adults than younger people – typically older than the average age of a “Swiftie,” according to Carroll.

A clinical diagnosis is made based on an exam and symptom screening, he said, though some imaging, such as an MRI, can help confirm the diagnosis if warranted. 

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Lumen Field on July 22, 2023, in Seattle, Washington.  (Mat Hayward/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

While there are no specific methods of preventing TGA, Salman recommended getting enough sleep and staying hydrated before a big event.

“Another proposed mechanism of TGA is elevated blood pressure and the release of stress hormones,” she said. “By being mindful and taking deep breaths throughout the concert, especially during periods of heightened excitement, you can reduce the release of stress hormones.”

Research has revealed that cell phone use also has an impact on memory, so Salman recommended limiting screen time during an event.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“By simultaneously trying to use your phone and watch the concert, you may overtax your working memory and affect your ability to store those specific memories,” she said. 

“Studies have also found that when we are recording something with our smartphones, we are relying on them to remember for us,” Salman added. “This could lead to poorer recall of the event later.”

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic could increase the risk of stomach paralysis as well as several other serious gastrointestinal conditions, according to a study published Thursday in JAMA.

This was the first large epidemiological (disease-related) study to examine these adverse effects in non-diabetic patients using the drugs specifically for weight loss, per a press release from The University of British Columbia (UBC).

The risk was linked to all semaglutides, a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists — including Ozempic (prescribed for diabetes management), Wegovy (prescribed for weight loss), Rybelsus (type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (weight loss).

OZEMPIC DIABETES AND WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION UNDER INVESTIGATION AFTER A FEW REPORTS OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

Stomach paralysis, officially known as gastroparesis, prevents the nerves and muscles in the stomach from moving food into the small intestine, which keeps digestion from occurring, as described on Cleveland Clinic’s website.

In addition to stomach paralysis, the drugs were linked to a greater risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and bowel obstruction, which prevents food from passing through the small or large intestine, the release stated.

UBC researchers examined the health insurance claim records for approximately 16 million U.S. patients who were prescribed Ozempic, Wegovy or either semaglutide or liraglutide medications across a 14-year span (between 2006 and 2020).

The researchers could not assess whether the condition was temporary or permanent. 

Compared to another weight loss drug, bupropion-naltrexone, those who took a GLP-1 agonist were 3.67 times more likely to develop stomach paralysis, had a 9.09 times higher risk of pancreatitis and were 4.22 times more likely to have bowel obstruction. 

OZEMPIC, WEGOVY AND ALL THOSE CRAZY, VIVID DREAMS: IS THERE A CONNECTION?

For the cases of stomach paralysis, the researchers could not assess whether the condition was temporary or permanent. 

“There are reports from other journalists where they have met patients whose symptoms have not gone away despite stopping the drugs,” study co-author Dr. Mahyar Etminan, associate professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and Medicine at UBC, told Fox News Digital.

There are medications that can be used to help with the condition, he added.

Stomach paralysis, officially known as gastroparesis, prevents the nerves and muscles in the stomach from moving food into the small intestine. (iStock)

Although these complications were rare, the researchers found them concerning, given that millions of people are using these medications worldwide.

The number of people in the U.S. using GLP-1 agonists for either diabetes or obesity reached 40 million in 2022, they noted.

“These drugs are becoming increasingly accessible, and it is concerning that, in some cases, people can simply go online and order these kinds of medications when they may not have a full understanding of what could potentially happen,” said first author Mohit Sodhi, a graduate of UBC’s experimental medicine program, in the release.

The number of people in the U.S. using GLP-1 agonists for either diabetes or obesity reportedly reached 40 million in 2022.

“Given the wide use of these drugs, these adverse events, although rare, must be considered by patients thinking about using them for weight loss.”

The researchers recommend that regulatory agencies and drugmakers consider updating the warning labels for their products, which currently don’t include the risk of gastroparesis. 

“This is critical information for patients to know so they can seek timely medical attention and avoid serious consequences,” said Sodhi. 

A photo taken on Feb. 23, 2023, shows the anti-diabetic medication Ozempic (semaglutide) made by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. (Getty Images)

The decision about whether to take the drug in spite of these risks will depend on each patient’s individual situation, the researchers said.

“This decision should be individually assessed,” said Etminan. “There are patients where the benefit of the drugs might outweigh the risks (very obese individuals), whereas in other situations (healthy individuals who just want to lose a few pounds), the risks might outweigh the benefits.”

“This is critical information for patients to know so they can seek timely medical attention and avoid serious consequences.”

The study did have some limitations, the researchers noted.

“We did not have access to medical charts to ascertain all subjects’ medical histories,” said Etminan. “Also, we could not look at risk with individual GLP-1 drugs, but this is probably a class effect of these drugs.”

OZEMPIC-WEGOVY PILL MAY BE ON THE WAY: TRIAL SHOWS PROMISING RESULTS FOR NEW WEIGHT LOSS TABLET

The researchers also did not determine whether certain groups were at higher risk of this adverse side effect, but Etminan said he suspects that those with preexisting GI conditions might be more susceptible.

California-based cardiologist Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, author of “The Secrets of Immortality,” was not involved in the study but noted that it confirmed a higher prevalence of pancreatitis, gastroparesis and bowel obstruction in patients on GLP-1 agonists. 

In addition to stomach paralysis, the drugs were linked to a greater risk of pancreatitis and bowel obstruction. (iStock)

“On the other hand, these drugs have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events as shown for Ozempic in 2016 in diabetics and in 2023 for Wegovy,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“The achieved weight loss using GLP-1 agonists, as well as the improved glucose control, seem to have significant benefits on cardiovascular outcomes, but patients need to be informed about the relatively small incidence of abdominal side effects as seen in this cohort study,” said von Schwarz. 

The decision of whether to take the drug in spite of these risks will depend on each patient’s individual situation, the researchers said. (iStock)

“The benefits on cardiovascular risks, however, appear to outweigh the risks of side effects.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists “ileus” as a potential side effect of Ozempic.

Ileus is the inability of the intestine (bowel) to contract normally and move waste out of the body, according to Mayo Clinic.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

In August, a Louisiana woman sued Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, and Lilly, which makes another GLP-1 agonist, Mounjaro, claiming that the companies “downplayed the severity of gastrointestinal events caused by Ozempic and Mounjaro — never, for example, warning of the risk of gastroparesis (‘paralyzed stomach’) or gastroenteritis.”

A selection of injector pens for the Wegovy weight loss drug are shown in this photo illustration in Chicago, Illinois, on March 31, 2023.  (REUTERS/Jim Vondruska/Illustration/File Photo)

The woman, who used Ozempic for more than a year before switching to Mounjaro last month, alleged she was “severely injured as a result” of using both drugs, the suit stated. 

In a statement at the time, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk told FOX Business that gastrointestinal events “are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class” and “are mild to moderate in severity and of short duration.” 

“Given the wide use of these drugs, these adverse events, although rare, must be considered by patients thinking about using them for weight loss.”

The company provided the below statement to Fox News Digital on Friday, Oct. 6. 

“At Novo Nordisk, patient safety is a top priority. We work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to continuously monitor the safety profile of our medicines. The FDA-approved product labeling for Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1RA medicines indicated for use in weight management (Saxenda and Wegovy) includes information about their potential side effects, including pancreatitis, acute gallbladder disease, ileus and delayed gastric emptying.”

Flags are seen outside Novo Nordisk headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Feb. 5, 2020.  (REUTERS/Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen/File Photo)

“Similar information is included in the product labeling for our GLP-1RA medicines indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus and Victoza),” the statement went on. 

“Novo Nordisk stands behind the safety and efficacy of all of our GLP-1RA medicines when used consistent with the product labeling and approved indications.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Novo Nordisk continued, “With respect to the study, as the authors acknowledge, the study has limitations, including potential confounding by indication and by other factors.”

The company added, “It is also important to note that the study analyzed data collected during the period between 2006 and 2020. During this time, Wegovy was not on the market; Saxenda was first approved in December 2014. In addition, Victoza was FDA-approved in January 2010 and Ozempic was FDA-approved in December 2017.”

Daniella Genovese of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Six children were hospitalized in Florida after they ate candy containing cannabis at the Lauderhill Boys & Girls Club on Wednesday.

Police officers were dispatched to the location in Broward County three times that afternoon, according to a local report from NBC 6 South Florida.

A total of eight children ranging from 6 to 8 years of age consumed the gummies. Six of the children were transported to Broward Health and Florida Medical Center, according to Lauderhill Fire Rescue officials.

CALLS TO POISON CENTERS FOR ADHD MEDICATION ERRORS HAVE RISEN 300% SINCE 2000, STUDY FINDS

All of the children now have been released and are “returning to their normal activities,” said the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County in an official statement provided to Fox News Digital.

It is believed that one of the children brought a package of cannabis-infused gummy candies into the club after school and shared the candies with the other members, the statement said. 

“The safety and protection of the young people we serve is always our absolute highest priority, and we take any situation that might impact their well-being very seriously,” the club added.

A spokesperson for the club told Fox News Digital on Friday that the source of the gummies is still under investigation.

Dangers of cannabis for kids

Edible products are often packaged in ways that are very similar to name-brand candy and snack products that are familiar to children, according to Kelly Johnson-Arbor, M.D., a medical toxicologist and co-medical director at the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C.

“Children are often not able to differentiate between these snack products and their cannabis lookalike varieties — and this can result in unintentional consumption,” she told Fox News Digital.

These products can also contain large amounts of cannabis, with doses intended for adults.

MELATONIN GUMMIES FOUND TO CONTAIN POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS LEVELS OF THE HORMONE: STUDY

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, pharmacy editor at GoodRx in New York City, said it’s possible for cannabis edibles to be dangerous for children, but it depends on exactly what cannabinoids the edibles contain and how much the children consume. 

“In most cases, if a child consumes a cannabis edible by mistake, they’ll just feel extra sleepy or loopy until it wears off,” she said. 

 “It is very important to keep all cannabis edible products far away and out of reach of children.”

“Agitation, red eyes and a fast heart rate are also possible,” she added. 

“More severe side effects, like seizures or breathing issues, are rare but still possible — especially with large amounts of THC.”

It’s possible for cannabis edibles to be dangerous for children, but it depends on exactly what cannabinoids the edibles contain and how much the children consume, a pharmacist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

The risk of a life-threatening issue is higher with illicit or unregulated cannabis edibles, said Woodcock, as these are more likely to contain heavy metals, pesticides or other substances — such as fentanyl — that could be dangerous for children to consume.

Children are more likely than adults to experience severe signs of symptoms, Johnson noted, which is why it’s important to seek medical attention. 

‘FOURTH WAVE’ OF FENTANYL OVERDOSE DEATHS HAS GRIPPED THE NATION, EXPERTS SAY: ‘THE NORM, NOT THE EXCEPTION’

“The degree of monitoring and treatment needed after cannabis ingestion in children depends on multiple factors, including the dose consumed, the child’s age and any underlying medical issues,” she went on.

“In some cases, specialized treatments, including intravenous medications and respiratory support, may be required,” said Johnson.

Regardless of whether the child has symptoms, experts say it’s important to reach out to a medical professional. (iStock)

The signs and symptoms of cannabis poisoning in children may last for several hours, Johnson said — and in some cases, children may require hospitalization for several days.

Although cannabis possession is legal in some states, it remains illegal on a federal level, Johnson said.

“This means that for cannabis edibles, there are no federal regulations for childproofing or use of packaging that is not attractive to children,” she said. 

“Because of this, it is very important to keep all cannabis edible products far away and out of reach of children.”

What to do if a child consumes cannabis

In the event of an accidental consumption, the first step is to gather the facts, said Woodcock.

“The packaging of the edible will tell you what kind of edible they ate and the THC level or other cannabinoid content, such as CBD or CBN,” she said.

LOOK WHO’S EXPERIMENTING WITH MARIJUANA TODAY MORE THAN ANY OTHER AGE GROUP

Regardless of whether the child has symptoms, Woodcock said it’s important to reach out to a medical professional. 

“Call 911 if they’re having severe symptoms, like trouble breathing or changes in behavior,” she said. 

“It’s important to keep in mind that the effects of cannabis edibles can take an hour or two to appear,” she noted. “So just because your child seems fine at first doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way.”

If you keep cannabis in your home, experts say to store it in a secure location that’s out of reach of children. (iStock)

If you don’t notice any changes, you should still contact Poison Control, either online at www.poison.org or by phone at 1-800-222-1222, to receive “free, personalized, and evidence-based medical guidance for monitoring and treatment,” said Johnson.

How to reduce the risk

If you keep cannabis in your home, Woodcock said to treat it like a prescription medication and keep it in a secure location that’s out of reach of children — ideally a lockbox.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“Make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between a cannabis edible and a regular food item,” she said. 

“Keep cannabis products in their original packaging, and make sure it’s clearly marked to avoid any confusion.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Since there’s not much information on the long-term effects of a cannabis overdose in children, prevention is truly key to protecting your child’s safety,” Woodcock also said.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. 

Parents or caregivers who yell at their kids could be doing long-term harm to their kids’ psyches, new research suggests.

Researchers from Wingate University in North Carolina and University College London found that “childhood verbal abuse” (CVA) — primarily identified as “yelling and screaming” — could have negative effects on kids’ mental and physical health throughout their lifetimes.

Published this week in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect, the review included 166 prior studies involving “childhood maltreatment” from four medical databases spanning more than 45 years — from 1976 through May 2022.

MISSOURI-BASED PROFESSIONAL ‘SECOND MOM’ REVEALS HOW TO SUPPORT KIDS DURING THE COLLEGE YEARS

There are four general types of “child maltreatment” — physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect — according to the study authors.

CVA falls into the emotional abuse category. It’s characterized by “shouting, yelling, denigrating the child and verbal threats.”

When choosing which studies to include, the researchers focused primarily on verbal abuse, verbal aggression, verbal hostility, emotional abuse, verbal violence, harsh verbal discipline and verbal assault, the journal article specified.

“The saying ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’ couldn’t be more wrong.”

“These types of adult actions,” the authors wrote, “can be as damaging to a child’s development as other currently recognized and forensically established subtypes of maltreatment, such as childhood physical and sexual abuse.”

Dr. Zachary Ginder, a psychological consultant and doctor of clinical psychology at Pine Siskin Consulting, LLC in Riverside, California, was not involved in the study but shared his insights on the potential damage of CVA.

TEEN GIRLS ARE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AT RECORD LEVELS, WITH MANY ‘PERSISTENTLY SAD,’ DATA REVEALS

“Emotional abuse, which includes child verbal abuse, is believed to be even more prominent than other types of maltreatment, and often remains undetected because of its lack of visibility outside of closed environments,” he told Fox News Digital in an interview.

“Verbal abuse may also be brushed off as family dynamics and difficult to identify because of a lack of a consistent method of measurement.”

CVA falls into the emotional abuse category, and is characterized by “shouting, yelling, denigrating the child and verbal threats,” the study authors wrote. The study was published this week in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect.  (iStock)

Verbal abuse doesn’t necessarily constitute loud yelling and screaming, Ginder pointed out – it can also include other forms of verbal intimidation, hostility or degradation.

“Verbal abuse can be generational and normalized within the family context or learning environments, but it should never be taken lightly,” he added.

“Emotional abuse often remains undetected because of its lack of visibility outside of closed environments.”

The “adult perpetrators” identified in the study review included parents (76.5%), other adults/caregivers in the home (2.4%), mothers (8.8%), teachers (7.1%), coaches (0.6%), police (0.6%) and multiple people (3.5%). 

Specific types of abuse included criticism, name-calling, ridiculing, rejecting, scolding and picking on the child.

Outcomes included emotional and mental distress, externalizing symptoms, internalizing behaviors, neurobiological changes and physical health impacts. (iStock)

Outcomes included emotional and mental distress (anger, depression, frustration), externalizing symptoms (delinquent behavior, substance use, abuse perpetration), internalizing behaviors (self-esteem, dysphoria, emotional control), neurobiological changes and physical health outcomes (obesity, COPD), according to the study authors.

The most reported outcomes in children across all the reviewed studies were depression, aggression, behavioral disorders, substance use, anger, COPD and delinquent behavior. 

AS CHILDREN STRUGGLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH, SCHOOLS ROLL OUT NEW PROGRAMS, BUT SOME PARENTS ARE SKEPTICAL

“Childhood verbal abuse is a hidden problem that leads to depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use disorders and a host of other problems and needs to be on the radar of detection,” study author Shanta R. Dube, PhD, director of the Master of Public Health Program at Wingate University, told Fox News Digital in an interview.

“It’s not only about parents, but all adults, including teachers and coaches,” she added. 

“We need greater awareness about childhood verbal abuse for its prevention.”

Verbal abuse doesn’t necessarily constitute loud yelling and screaming, a psychologist pointed out. It can also include other forms of verbal intimidation, hostility or degradation. (iStock)

The systemic review was commissioned by Words Matter, a U.K.-based charity that advocates for the prevention of childhood verbal abuse through research, awareness and collaborating with experts to identify solutions.

“It’s paramount to grasp the true scale and impact of childhood verbal abuse,” Jessica Bondy, founder of Words Matter, told Fox News Digital.

“All adults get overloaded sometimes and say things unintentionally,” Bondy went on. “We have to work collectively to devise ways to recognize these actions and end childhood verbal abuse by adults so children can flourish.”

“Words have weight, they can uplift or destroy. Let’s build children up, not knock them down.”

TRANS CHILDREN WHO TOOK PUBERTY-BLOCKING DRUGS HAD MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, UK STUDY FOUND

Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona, was not involved in the study but reviewed the findings.

“By formally recognizing CVA as a form of childhood emotional abuse, it creates a framework for education, research and effective interventions,” she told Fox News Digital. “It increases awareness that words cause harm.”

Doctors are calling for childhood verbal abuse to be recognized as a form of childhood emotional abuse. (iStock)

Johnson added, “The saying ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’ couldn’t be more wrong.”

Ginder pointed out that a single incident of verbal maltreatment can be life-altering for some children and youth — and that prolonged verbal abuse will “unquestionably cause significant harm.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

He added, “Building awareness, providing parents and teachers with skills to support positive parenting and communication, and intervening early when verbal abuse is recognized are of the utmost priority.”

Study had limitations

The study authors noted that there were some limitations of the review. 

It was completed in 2022 — and they acknowledged that additional research could have been done since then.

“By formally recognizing CVA as a form of childhood emotional abuse, it creates a framework for education, research and effective interventions,” a physician told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

“The current research may bring to light the need for better frameworks, definitions and terminology,” they wrote.

The review also did not take into account geographical or cultural factors when examining childhood verbal abuse.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

In addition, the researchers did not examine risk factors, something that they said should be explored in a future study. 

Also, this review only evaluated adult-to-child cases and excluded verbal abuse among peers or romantic partners, which could also be examined in a future study.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

The more time you spend engaging in a structured exercise routine, such as going to the gym or running, the more likely you are to cut back on other physical daily activities, according to a recent study. 

This decline in physical activities could affect people’s ability to lose weight successfully even if they participate in a routine exercise program, according to the study, which was published in the journal Current Nutrition Reports.

“If people are seeking weight loss, they should be aware of their non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) — activities such as walking the dog, riding a bike to work or standing at the desk at work,” study author Julie Marvel Mansfeldt, a graduate student at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), told Fox News Digital.

81-YEAR-OLD FITNESS TRAINER OFFERS SMART WORKOUT TIPS FOR SENIORS: ‘IT’S GREAT TO BE FIT’

“If these activities are suddenly stopped, the total daily energy expenditure is less than expected — and thus the weight loss will be less than expected,” she added.

“Compensation of NEPA can thus be a barrier to weight loss.”

Mansfeldt, under the supervision of Professor Faidon Magkos of NEXS at the University of Copenhagen, conducted a systemic review of 24 research studies that looked at people’s levels of daily physical activities before and while participating in different types of structured exercise regimens. 

The team found that a person who is more engaged in a routine exercise program is more prone to “lounge around” and avoid other, non-structured physical daily activities, like taking the stairs. 

EXERCISE OF ANY AMOUNT COULD HELP INCREASE PAIN TOLERANCE, NEW STUDY FINDS

In a prior research study, this decline in daily physical activity resulted in subjects losing 22% less weight than expected from their exercise training program, according to a news release from the university.

“Sixty-seven percent of studies reported less-than-expected weight loss, which was not explained by the change in energy intake, but likely NEPA,” Mansfeldt told Fox News Digital.

The decline in physical activities, despite participating in a routine exercise program, could affect a person’s ability to successfully lose weight, according to the study. (iStock)

In theory, exercise should result in an energy deficit — which should result in weight loss, the release noted. 

“But in practice, we see that the two things are seldom linked, and that weight loss from exercise is often less than expected,” Mansfeldt pointed out, suggesting that a “compensatory mechanism” must occur.

Cutting back on daily physical activity may be a type of physical compensation for the person who is engaging in more training, the study stated.  

JUST 4 MINUTES OF INTENSE DAILY ACTIVITY COULD SLASH CANCER RISK AMONG ‘NON-EXERCISERS,’ STUDY FINDS

After exercising, people may be more tired, leading them to lounge more and avoid other physical daily activities — or it could be a reward for working out.

The study also noted that dietary compensation might occur with increased structured exercise, where people eat more after completing a workout — which then increases their energy (calorie) intake, though this compensation was less common.

“If people are seeking weight loss, they should be aware of their non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) — activities such as walking the dog, riding a bike to work or standing at the desk at work,” said the study author. (iStock)

“Surprisingly and contrary to what many people think, we do not typically increase the amount of food we eat upon starting exercise training,” Mansfeldt said in the news release. 

“This then suggests that we must be decreasing non-exercise physical activity, which refers to all the physical activities we do in our daily lives aside from the structured exercise.”

Those who enjoyed their exercise regimen were less likely to partake in these compensatory motions, the study noted, and also achieved greater weight loss than those who had a negative view of their program, according to the study.

5 HEALTHY HABITS MAY BE THE SECRET TO LIVING LONGER, FLORIDA NEUROSURGEON REVEALS

“Depending on the feelings associated with the physical activity, people change their energy intake,” Mansfeldt told Fox News Digital. 

“For example, if they did not enjoy running, they increased their energy intake afterward, which is an example of dietary compensation — and this is potentially also true for non-exercise physical activities.”

Reduced non-exercise physical activity was common in both men and women across all weight ranges, the study found.

After exercising, people may be more tired, leading them to lounge more and avoid other physical daily activities — or it could be a reward for working out. (iStock)

Exercise specialists not involved with the study commented to Fox News Digital on the findings.

“Structured exercise may have its benefits, as it organizes our time and develops a routine; however, if this is our only outlet, we may not be doing enough,” Edward Farrell, a certified sports and conditioning specialist at Physical Solutions Physical Therapy in Bethpage, New York, told Fox News Digital. 

“It’s also important to be consistent and enjoy what you do to help achieve weight loss and fitness goals.”

It is important to remain active even during downtime, Farrell said.  

THESE 5 STEPS CAN HELP YOU BUILD A BETTER BODY: ‘IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE’

“If we fall out of maintaining an active lifestyle throughout the day, our metabolism can peak and then slow down, not providing for most productive energy expenditure,” he said. 

“Our bodies will respond best with structured exercise that is targeted and goal-specific, along with casual activities to complement our routines throughout the day, such as walks and bike rides.”

It’s also important to be consistent and enjoy what you do to help achieve weight loss and fitness goals, said Farrell.

Experts say it is important to be consistent and enjoy what you do to help achieve weight loss and fitness goals. (Cyberguy.com)

Several strength and conditioning coaches told Fox News Digital that they do believe compensatory mechanisms occur when a person begins an exercise routine.

“It is only human nature. But instead of skipping walks or bike rides, that compensatory mistake is normally in the kitchen,” Vincent Martino, a strength and conditioning coach at The Schwarz Institute, a sports performance and physical therapy center on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“People will reward themselves with what they think are harmless snacks, but those snacks can add up.”

Martino also emphasized other important factors that affect weight loss and overall fitness.

“Sleep, stress, mental health, exercise routine, nutrition — they all work together, not like independent contractors in your body.”

There are ways to help boost non-exercise physical activity throughout the day, experts say. (iStock)

Elizabeth Byrnes, a certified personal trainer at EHFitnessnyc in Austin, Texas and New York City, told Fox News Digital that “our culture operates on reward systems and short-term solutions, and this study definitely proves that.”

She added, “I see people also compensating for more exercise with more food. We are also chronically stressed and overstimulated, so the idea of adding to activity or depriving ourselves of indulgences feels bad.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

There are ways to help boost non-exercise physical activity throughout the day, Byrnes shared.

“I have seen a shift in many of my clients — a trend toward under-desk treadmills or walking pads and digital activity trackers encouraging people to hit movement and exercise goals, as well as encouraging mindfulness and meditation.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.