Prolonged consumption of artificial sweeteners could elevate obesity risks, study finds
A recent study has established a concerning connection between long-term intake of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin, as well as diet sodas, and an augmented risk of obesity. The findings were featured in the International Journal of Obesity, following an extensive examination of the relationships between the consumption of these substances and a variety of health parameters.
Undertaken as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) initiative, the research embraced a diverse participant group of 5,115 individuals, comprising both black and white men and women. The focal point of the study was to dissect the potential relationships between artificial sweetener and diet beverage consumption and the volumes of visceral adipose tissue (AT), intermuscular AT, and subcutaneous AT, while accounting for demographic factors and lifestyle elements such as total caloric intake and adherence to healthy eating guidelines.
Over a span of 25 years, 3,088 individuals — including 869 black women, 867 white women, 590 black men, and 762 white men aged between 18 and 30 at the onset — were rigorously examined, with their dietary intakes tracked at intervals of the inception, the 7th year, and the 20th year. This meticulous approach allowed for a nuanced breakdown of aspartame and saccharin consumption patterns across quintiles and tertiles, respectively.
Drawing a strong parallel between heightened artificial sweetener intake and expanded volumes of all three types of AT assessed — visceral, subcutaneous, and intermuscular — the study spotlighted worrying trends. Individuals in the uppermost quintile of aspartame consumption demonstrated greater AT volumes in comparison to those in the lowest quintile. Furthermore, higher aspartame intake was associated with pronounced increases in body mass index (BMI), weight, and waist circumference throughout the quarter-century follow-up period.
Similar trends were observed in saccharin consumption, with the highest tertile group reporting up to 14% higher subcutaneous AT alongside substantial augmentations in BMI, weight, and waist circumference. The consumption of diet beverages mirrored these patterns, revealing significant escalations in AT volumes and BMI in those indulging more frequently in these drinks.
Although sucralose intake depicted an upward trajectory in BMI and weight, it remained distinct by not showing a noticeable impact on AT volumes or anthropometric changes over the long-term period studied.
This seminal study foregrounded the alarming implications of prolonged artificial sweetener intake, connecting higher consumption levels with a substantial upswing in obesity risks — with the upper quintiles exhibiting up to a 78% greater propensity for obesity compared to their lower quintile counterparts.
Despite offering unprecedented insights, the research is cognisant of potential limitations including self-reporting biases and the possible influence of altered microbiomes on adipogenesis.
In light of these potent revelations, the researchers advocate a reevaluation of prevailing national advisories encouraging the substitution of added sugars with artificial sweeteners. Highlighting the potential adverse health repercussions of both options, the study calls for a more nuanced approach to fostering healthier dietary choices.
Read MoreNew research links early adolescent weight gain to higher depression risks in teen years
Recent studies indicate a strong correlation between elevated body mass index (BMI) in children and increased instances of depression during their teenage years. This correlation, as pinpointed in the comprehensive research conducted by King’s College London, has flagged early adolescence as a critical period wherein weight gain can significantly influence the onset of depressive symptoms later on in life.
The King’s College London team analysed data from over 10,000 twins born from 1994 to 1996, charting their height and weight at ages 12, 16, and 21 to determine their BMI. Additionally, the young participants filled out questionnaires that helped monitor depression symptoms such as feelings of loneliness, low moods, and exhaustion.
The insights derived from the research underscored a higher tendency among children with overweight to develop depression, a risk amplified the earlier in life they started to experience weight issues. Particularly, the span between 12 and 16 years was identified as a “sensitive point,” with weight gains during this period more strongly linked to later depression compared to gains between the ages of 16 and 21.
Senior co-author of the study, Thalia Eley, Professor of Developmental Behavioural Genetics, highlighted the significant role of early adolescence in the co-evolution of obesity and depressive tendencies. She further underscored the urgency of adopting a proactive approach to fostering positive body image and wellbeing, as opposed to merely focusing on weight, to thwart the onset of depression in later years.
Echoing these sentiments, the study’s principal author, Dr. Ellen Thompson emphasised the imperative need to unravel the intricacies of the mental health-weight nexus in adolescence to devise timely and effective support mechanisms. While the current study did not delve into the underlying causes of the observed relationship, earlier studies have pointed to factors like body dissatisfaction and external weight-related stigma as potent triggers.
In light of the increasing concerns around obesity and mental health disorders amongst the UK’s youth — a demographic where one-third have overweight or obesity by the time they finish primary school — the researchers propose that educational institutions integrate positive body image narratives in their curriculum.
These recommendations come against a backdrop of an alarming rise in child mental health crises, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and sustained school closures which have put unprecedented demand on the NHS’s mental health services for young people. According to recent statistics, one in four older teenagers are grappling with “probable” mental health disorders, a spectrum that encompasses depression and anxiety symptoms.
Furthermore, the persistent pressures from social media and the bottleneck created by long waiting lists for accessing mental health services portray a grim landscape for the younger generation. The scholars behind the study press for urgent interventions to mitigate this rapidly spiralling crisis, urging for a renewed focus on promoting a healthy body image to stave off depression and foster mental wellbeing among youth.
Read MoreWeight-loss medication Wegovy to be prescribed by NHS amid limited availability
In the UK, the NHS (National Health Service) in England is gearing up to administer the weight-loss drug Wegovy, also known by its scientific name semaglutide, under a “controlled and limited launch.” This initiative, starting from September 4, 2023, will operate via specialist NHS weight management services, where the drug will be prescribed in conjunction with a regimen involving a reduced-calorie diet and physical exercise. The patients targeted in this program must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeding 30 and at least one weight-related health issue to qualify.
The drug, produced by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, received approval for NHS usage earlier in 2023, a sanction granted by the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE), which has recommended its usage be capped at a two-year period.
Addressing the prospects of this new treatment, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak heralded the introduction of Wegovy as a potential “game-changer” in the battle against obesity, a condition known to predispose individuals to serious health complications such as hypertension, diabetes, and various forms of cancer. The prime minister expressed optimism that this strategy would alleviate the strain on NHS resources, contribute to the reduction of waiting lists, and foster improved health and longevity among the populace.
Echoing these sentiments, Novo Nordisk anticipates that the drug will enhance the range of options available for individuals grappling with obesity, thus facilitating their journey towards achieving healthier body weights.
Earlier in June, the government had set aside £40 million for a pilot project intended to widen the accessibility of weight-loss injections as part of a robust strategy to curb obesity.
However, the initiative encountered a significant hurdle as Novo Nordisk reported an impending shortage in the supply of semaglutide, a situation anticipated to persist for an unspecified period. Despite this, the company reassured that a “proportion of available supply” would be designated for NHS services, with a firm commitment to prioritising patients demonstrating the “highest unmet medical need.”
An official communication from the NHS noted that in line with the guidance from NICE, measures are underway to inaugurate weight management undertakings, while also making efforts to restore the drug supply, particularly for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
According to NHS projections, approximately 50,000 qualified patients in England stand to benefit from Wegovy, provided through NHS specialist weight management facilities capable of offering the necessary multi-disciplinary care.
Backing the efficacy of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk presented findings from a comprehensive five-year research project titled the Select trial. The study, which incorporated 17,604 adults aged 45 and above from 41 different countries, revealed that the drug could diminish the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes in individuals with obesity harbouring cardiovascular diseases by a considerable twenty percent. Participants in this trial were characterised by a BMI exceeding 27, established cardiovascular ailments, and devoid of any diabetes history.
Read MoreObesity-linked heart deaths triple in 20 years
Recent research disclosed a concerning surge in the number of US adults succumbing to heart disease where obesity was cited as a pivotal contributing factor, exhibiting a threefold rise between 1999 and 2020. This alarming revelation was documented in a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, leveraging data encapsulated in the comprehensive database curated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Analysing death certificates facilitated a granular examination of the escalation in obesity-correlated cardiac deaths over the span of two decades. The researchers pinpointed a total of 281,135 heart disease fatalities attributed to obesity during the period under scrutiny. This translated to a tripling of the death rate, spiralling from a rate of 2.2 per 100,000 individuals to a significant 6.6 deaths per 100,000 populace, thereby showcasing a worrying trend in health outcomes related to obesity.
Ironically, this spike unfolded amidst a nearly 18 percent decrement in overall heart disease mortalities from 1999 to 2020, pointing towards a deep-seated issue relating specifically to obesity-linked cardiac ailments.
The racial and gender disparities were stark, with the black populace shouldering a higher mortality rate compared to other racial cohorts. Moreover, a gendered analysis revealed a preponderance of these deaths amongst males, albeit black females demonstrated a marginally elevated mortality rate relative to their male counterparts.
Obesity, delineated as a profound risk catalyst for heart disease, presently afflicts approximately 115 million individuals in the US, encompassing around 42% of the adult demographic and 20% of the juvenile population, as per CDC statistics. A decade-long observation underscores a rise by nearly 10% in adult obesity, illuminating the swelling magnitude of this health crisis.
Medical professionals accentuate the multifaceted pathways through which obesity can foster heart disease, encompassing the enhancement of blood pressure levels, fostering a surge in detrimental cholesterol whilst diminishing beneficial cholesterol levels, amplifying diabetes susceptibility, and facilitating the accrual of fatty substances within arterial structures.
The in-depth study unearthed that the primary culprits behind obesity-associated heart disease fatalities within the scrutinised period were ischemic heart disease — characterised by artery narrowing — accompanied by heightened blood pressure. This dual identification not only underscores the critical role of cardiovascular health monitoring in obesity management but also necessitates intensified focus on preventive measures to curb the steady increase in obesity-related cardiac deaths.
The findings evoke an urgent call for bolstered interventions targeting obesity prevention and management, steering individuals towards healthier lifestyles to avert the onset of associated cardiac complications. The study stands as a testament to the urgent necessity for a comprehensive approach in mitigating obesity-related health ramifications, fostering a society armed with the knowledge and resources to combat this escalating health concern effectively.
Read MoreExercise hormone irisin emerges as potential therapeutic agent in Alzheimer’s research
In the relentless pursuit to find effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have spotlighted a potential new ally: the hormone irisin, which is generated during physical exercise. This revelation brings a beacon of hope, suggesting a potential new frontier in Alzheimer’s therapy.
According to a recent study carried out by a team at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, the elevation of irisin levels, encouraged through physical exercise, showcases promising results in reducing the plaque and tau tangles that are trademarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The role of irisin had been previously linked to the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in adipose tissue and the acceleration of the conversion of white fat tissue to brown, a process that augments energy expenditure.
Before delving deeper into irisin’s impact on Alzheimer’s, the team had pioneered the development of 3D human cell culture models of the disease. These models played a pivotal role in understanding how irisin interacts with amyloid-beta, a significant player in the Alzheimer’s landscape, present in the brain.
Previous studies on murine models had affirmed the beneficial effects of physical exercise in diminishing amyloid-beta accumulations, albeit without understanding the precise mechanism. The fresh insights gleaned from this study illuminated that irisin’s influence in this context is closely tied to the enhancement of an enzyme known as neprilysin, which is proficient in degrading amyloid-beta.
Se Hoon Choi, one of the study’s authors, illuminated that treating with irisin led to a “remarkable reduction of amyloid-beta pathology,” an effect steered by the bolstered activity of neprilysin, which is secreted in higher quantities by brain cells called astrocytes, in response to irisin.
Notably, the researchers managed to pinpoint the pathway that prompts cells to amplify neprilysin levels, opening avenues for further exploration and therapy development. The endeavour now stood grounded on a robust foundation of understanding how irisin, once introduced into the bloodstream, can navigate its way to the brain, showcasing its potential utility as a therapeutic agent.
Furthermore, senior author Rudolph Tanzi noted that irisin could be the principal orchestrator behind exercise-induced escalations in neprilysin levels that are instrumental in alleviating the amyloid-beta burden in the brain. Tanzi underscored the significant implications of these findings, propelling irisin to the centre stage as a promising target for preventive and therapeutic strategies against Alzheimer’s disease.
This groundbreaking study, published in the renowned journal Neuron on September 8 2023, brings to light irisin’s pivotal role as a mediator, leveraging the natural, exercise-induced hormone to forge a path towards revolutionary Alzheimer’s treatments. It brings us a step closer to harnessing the potential of physical exercise at a molecular level in battling the devastating impacts of Alzheimer’s, thus offering a new ray of hope in medical science’s quest to conquer this debilitating disease.
Public support key to leveraging UK’s healthcare data, research suggests
The latest research from the Boston Consulting Group Centre for Growth underscores the potential held by healthcare data in the UK. The report, titled ‘Towards a healthier, wealthier UK: unlocking the value of healthcare data‘, highlights robust public support for optimising the UK’s healthcare data, emphasising its dual potential to revitalise the economy and alleviate strains on the healthcare system.
Historically, the concept of harnessing healthcare data has been proposed numerous times in the UK. Still, its full potential remains largely untapped. According to the Boston Consulting Group, the roadmap to actualising this vision rests on two pillars: gaining comprehensive public endorsement for healthcare data utilisation and redirecting its generated value back into the healthcare sector.
Empirical evidence has demonstrated the tangible benefits of leveraging healthcare data. A standout case is the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which managed to curtail £2,000 in hospital admissions for acute kidney injury patients. Their success was anchored on an innovative app which synthesised data from blood tests, medical archives, and clinical assessment tools to provide timely alerts to healthcare professionals upon identifying potential risks.
An exemplary initiative from the Netherlands further fortifies this narrative. A consortium of seven academic hospitals implemented a value-driven healthcare model, leading to a remarkable 30% decline in unnecessary patient admissions and a staggering 74% drop in follow-up surgeries due to complications. This was achieved by pinpointing the right metrics to enhance patient outcomes and fostering a culture of data-sharing across institutions.
Lord O’Shaughnessy, a luminary from Newmarket Strategy and ex-parliamentary undersecretary of state at the Department of Health, opined, “Properly harnessed healthcare data has the potential to amplify both the UK’s health standards and economic vigour. However, this transformation hinges on unshakeable public trust. Establishing this trust mandates a rigorous, inclusive, and adaptive mechanism for public engagement and decision-making.”
Contrary to prevalent misconceptions, the Boston Consulting Group’s report revealed that a staggering 90% of individuals are amenable to sharing their health data with the NHS, reiterating that this openness is contingent upon the intended use of this data. While 73% endorsed the use of their data to gauge potential health risks, 72% favoured its application in refining clinical care methodologies.
The public’s fervent desire to be privy to discussions concerning their health data’s usage was palpable. In London, this dialogue has already gained momentum with the OneLondon Citizen Advisory Group finalising recommendations for the city’s Health Data Strategy.
On the matter of monetising healthcare data, most respondents were comfortable with their data being profitable, provided a portion of the proceeds revitalises the healthcare sector or catalyses broader societal benefits.
Key Recommendations:
In its concluding remarks, the Boston Consulting Group’s report delineated actionable steps to actualise the potential of healthcare data:
- Showcase the tangible benefits derived from accessible healthcare data to foster public comprehension and endorsement.
- Orchestrating a cohesive public engagement drive across all NHS data-centric ventures, elucidating the tangible benefits of optimised data usage.
- Involve the public in data-related decision-making through decision panels and data usage logs, ensuring they remain integral stakeholders in shaping the discourse.
- Establish a central reservoir to channel the monetary value extracted from data into local NHS frameworks.
Concluding his thoughts, Lord O’Shaughnessy urged policymakers to champion a grand public outreach initiative around healthcare data, stating, “Without engaging the masses in this crucial dialogue, we stand at the precipice of forfeiting an unprecedented opportunity.”
Read MoreDigital health interventions enhance care efficacy in dermatology
The world of dermatology is set to experience transformative improvements in patient care, thanks to the integration of Digital Health Interventions (DHIs). This finding is a result of a systematic review and mapping study undertaken recently by researchers.
DHIs, as catalogued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, span a broad range of digital tools encompassing telemedicine, mobile health apps, wearable tech, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. One of the standout benefits of telemedicine as a DHI, as highlighted by the research of Reinders et al, includes notable merits like significantly shortened waiting periods, heightened levels of patient satisfaction, and diagnostic precision on par with traditional methods.
Reinders and team elucidated that DHIs bring about enhancements through a plethora of channels. These channels range from harnessing data analytics to refine decision-making in both diagnosis and treatment, fostering effective communication among stakeholders in patient care, and bolstering patient self-management in chronic conditions. Additionally, DHIs also play a pivotal role in the proactive promotion of health-conscious behaviours.
In their quest to dive deeper into DHIs and their application in dermatology, the team undertook a comprehensive review of the MEDLINE (PubMed) database in August 2022. Their search parameters encompassed a wide range of terms, including but not limited to “digital health,” “eHealth,” “mHealth,” and specific dermatological conditions. To ensure contemporary relevance, studies before 2010 were not considered for the analysis due to the swift pace of technological progression post that period.
In terms of selection criteria, the team opted for studies that embraced quantitative methods. Additionally, studies that explored AI algorithms’ prowess were required to benchmark these algorithms against the conventional, human-driven standard of care, either in a practical real-world scenario or within a commercially available software framework.
To ensure rigorous evaluation, a consortium of 2 to 3 experts, depending on the study’s complexity, assessed the relevance and fit of all collated studies. This assessment encapsulated a diverse range of attributes, from the study’s design, origin, and participant count to its specific focus on DHI as per WHO’s classifications.
After meticulous scrutiny, a total of 403 studies were integrated into the final review. A remarkable insight was the discernible surge in DHI-centric research in recent times, predominantly in the domains of store-and-forward (S&F) teledermatology and AI-driven image analytics. A significant emphasis was noted on skin cancer identification, with 148 studies specifically focusing on this area. Other dermatological conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and wounds, also featured in DHI studies, albeit to a lesser extent.
In their concluding remarks, Reinders and team observed, “The momentum in DHI-focused studies is palpable, with an accelerating trend over the recent years. This acceleration is primarily driven by advancements in S&F teledermatology and AI applications, with a pronounced focus on skin cancer diagnosis and its intersection with healthcare providers. The gamut of DHIs evaluated across diverse user groups and varied use-cases underscores the immense potential DHIs hold for dermatology’s future. Yet, to harness the full spectrum of DHIs’ potential, there’s an evident need for deeper research, especially in areas like ongoing management of chronic skin conditions and efficient patient triage.”
Read MoreDigital health adoption climbs rapidly among healthcare organisations, survey reveals
A recent study spearheaded by Xealth in 2023 underscores a significant shift towards digital health solutions among members of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). The survey, carried out from May to June, highlighted that an overwhelming 90% of CHIME members are now leaning into digital health strategies. This robust adoption rate prevails in spite of challenges such as fiscal constraints and limitations in staffing resources.
Delving deeper into the findings, a significant 81% of participants have seamlessly integrated digital health tools within their Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. Meanwhile, a noteworthy 19.1% claim to have not only achieved EHR integration of digital health platforms but also set distinct objectives and performance metrics surrounding them.
Mike McSherry, at the helm of Xealth as CEO and co-founder, expressed his insights on the matter. “The healthcare sector is typically perceived as resistant to rapid transformation. Yet, the swift embrace of digital health solutions is a testament to its increasing relevance and potential. It’s heartening to observe the overarching endorsement from top-tier management in health establishments. The correlation between digital health strategies and both the growth in bottom-line and reduction in readmissions is becoming pronounced. As digital initiatives continue to evolve, we anticipate these figures to further accentuate.”
The survey also shed light on several pivotal insights:
- A large majority, 81%, perceive digital health as encompassing apps and platforms that can be downloaded and used in conjunction with a dedicated device. This is closely trailed by digital tools for patient education, such as downloadable PDFs and video resources (excluding clinical references), accounting for 71.4%.
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and stand-alone downloadable apps and platforms (which don’t necessitate a connected device) are recognised as integral components of digital health by two-thirds (66.7%) of those surveyed.
- An encouraging 76.2% of participants emphasised that their health systems witnessed a surge in patient involvement and interaction courtesy of enhanced digital health strategies. A considerable 47.6% credited the uptick in digital health tools for facilitating clinicians’ tasks and ensuring ease of operations.
- A positive fiscal performance coupled with decreased patient readmissions due to ramped-up digital health utilisation was confirmed by 14.3% of respondents.
- The primary drivers prompting health establishments to expand their digital health footprint were identified as increased funding from payers or employers (81%), heightened patient demand (71.4%), improved system compatibility and integration ease (66.7%), the establishment of clear CPT codes dedicated to digital interventions (42.9%), and the growing availability of clinical proof validating digital interventions (33.3%).
Interestingly, none of the participants identified a lack of endorsement from C-level executives or diminishing patient engagement as impediments in their digital health adoption journey.
Read MoreCutting-edge AI tool uses x-rays to foresee diabetes risk in patients
Diabetes, a condition commonly diagnosed in adults under 65, has been increasingly observed in the senior population. As the disease advances in this age group, it often brings forth complex healthcare challenges. This highlights the need for early diagnosis, especially among older adults vulnerable to either the onset or exacerbation of diabetes symptoms.
Innovations in artificial intelligence are offering new avenues for early detection of such health conditions. These AI-powered tools, especially effective when handling vast and precise datasets, are revolutionising the early diagnosis landscape.
A trailblazing AI model, pioneered by researchers at Emory University, stands out with its unique approach. This model is engineered to discern early signs of diabetes by analysing X-ray images obtained during various medical assessments. These X-rays were originally captured for diverse medical reasons such as chest discomfort, respiratory issues, or pre- and post-operative evaluations. Notably, the AI model underwent rigorous training using a whopping 270,000 X-rays sourced from nearly 160,000 individuals.
Historically, X-rays haven’t been a standard diagnostic tool for diabetes. However, this groundbreaking AI model demonstrated its proficiency in identifying correlations between the accumulation of fatty tissues in specific body regions and an increased risk of diabetes, as highlighted by the study authors.
As a next step, the research team is keen on fine-tuning the model’s accuracy. Their vision encompasses integrating this AI tool into electronic health record (EHR) systems, aiming to equip physicians and healthcare providers with timely alerts on potential diabetes risks.
To put things in perspective, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that an alarming 300,000 elderly individuals are diagnosed with diabetes for the first time annually. Diabetes’s prevalence is soaring, with a staggering 100% increase observed over the past three and a half decades. The Endocrine Society further reveals that nearly a third of the elderly population is grappling with diabetes.
The challenge, however, doesn’t end at diagnosis. Achieving effective diabetes management, especially in long-term care environments, poses significant hurdles. It is alarming to note that certain treatments lead to a heightened hypoglycemia risk, impacting around 35% of patients, as cited by the McKnight’s Clinical Daily. Overmedication is another pressing concern, with a considerable segment of the senior population not receiving timely medication adjustments. Amidst these challenges, the medical community is optimistic about emerging treatments such as SGLT2Is, which are on the cusp of wider adoption in long-term care settings. Furthermore, recent research has illuminated the potential benefits of kombucha tea in regulating blood glucose levels, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against diabetes.
Read MoreG20 presidency backs WHO’s unveiling of the Global Initiative on Digital Health
In a significant announcement made during the Health Minister’s Meeting of the G20 Summit, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined forces with the G20 India presidency to introduce the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH). This noteworthy event was held under the aegis of the Government of India.
Designed as an acronym pronounced “guide”, the GIDH serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it will function as a network and platform managed by WHO to bolster the execution of the Global Strategy on Digital Health spanning from 2020 to 2025. Furthermore, WHO is entrusted with the responsibility of acting as the Secretariat, whose role is to synchronise global standards, assimilate best practices, and marshal resources. The ultimate objective is to expedite the transformation of the digital health system on a global scale.
The Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed gratitude towards the G20 nations and the G20 India Presidency for acknowledging WHO’s unparalleled capabilities in this sector. He underscored WHO’s dedication to this cause, emphasising, “It necessitates the collective effort of the G20, development allies, and global institutions to realise our shared vision. WHO is firmly committed to augmenting countries’ capacities, aiming to enhance the availability of reliable digital solutions. Our vision is a future that epitomises health, safety, and equity.”
India’s Union Health Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, reflecting on the event, stated, “This day will be etched in the annals of the G20 Health Working Group’s history. The member countries not only recognised a pressing priority but also collaborated fervently to bring it to fruition.” He went on to highlight that the Global Initiative on Digital Health is a pivotal achievement during India’s tenure as the G20 Presidency.
Tracing back to 2005, the inception of the WHO resolution on ehealth paved the way for the development and endorsement of the WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health. Since then, an impressive tally of over 120 WHO member nations have conceptualised and implemented a national digital health strategy or policy.
The unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the potency of digital health interventions. While numerous nations leveraged digital health tools, many articulated a pressing need. Their focus shifted from mere product-centric and experimental digital health ventures to a more structured national digital health framework. This framework would encompass effective governance, comprehensive policy guidelines, and a skilled health workforce adept at selecting, maintaining, and tailoring digital health solutions.
The GIDH has charted a clear roadmap for its mission, which includes:
- Crafting well-defined, priority-centric investment blueprints for the digital health evolution.
- Enhancing the visibility and reporting of digital health assets.
- Encouraging the dissemination of knowledge and fostering collaboration across diverse geographies to catalyse growth.
- Championing unified government-led strategies for digital health governance at the national level.
- Augmenting both technical and monetary backing for the roll-out of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025 and its subsequent phases.
In a testament to its commitment, WHO, along with its partners, declared significant pledges both in monetary terms and resources from a diverse set of stakeholders, marking the grand unveiling of the GIDH.
The promise of digital health is profound. It is viewed as a catalyst propelling improved health outcomes, aligned with the aspiration of achieving Universal Health Coverage and the health-centric Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The myriad benefits of digital health range from empowering individuals on their health odysseys, facilitating healthcare providers in adhering to best practices and delivering exemplary care, to invigorating the entire health infrastructure through optimised supply chains and effective workforce administration.
Read MoreChild sleep apnea severity linked to obesity, finds new study
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Health have discovered that obesity and older age are substantial predictors of the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. The study, recently published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, underscores the essential role of obesity in paediatric OSA. This new finding contributes to the increasing recognition of the association between childhood obesity and various negative outcomes including cognitive deficits, impaired academic performance, behavioural issues, excessive daytime sleepiness, and potential long-term effects on cardiovascular health.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to interruptions in both ventilation and sleep patterns. Diagnosis of OSA usually requires full-night polysomnography, an extensive sleep study that monitors brain waves, blood oxygen levels, and heart and breathing rates while the patient sleeps.
Traditionally, paediatric patients suffering from OSA have been treated with adenotonsillectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the adenoids and tonsils. However, this surgery does not always resolve the problem, and some children continue to experience what is known as residual OSA after the procedure.
The study was led by Romaine F. Johnson, M.D., M.P.H., Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UT Southwestern, who emphasised that “OSA is typically considered a condition that affects adults.” But Dr. Johnson pointed out that the growing epidemic of childhood obesity has led to an increase in the number of paediatric patients diagnosed with OSA. He explained that “higher levels of obesity and advancing age are key contributors to this issue,” and suggested that targeting childhood obesity could substantially enhance sleep quality and mitigate the detrimental consequences of both OSA and residual OSA.
Dr. Johnson and his research team initially embarked on the study to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and paediatric OSA. They examined the medical records of 249 children aged 18 or younger who underwent both polysomnogram and adenotonsillectomy at Children’s Health over a one-year span. To evaluate the influence of SES on paediatric OSA, the researchers utilised the area deprivation index (ADI), a metric defining neighbourhood-level disadvantages through various social determinants such as education, employment, and poverty.
Contrary to expectations, the study revealed that neighbourhood-level deprivation, as indicated by the ADI ranking, did not predict OSA severity or residual OSA after surgery. Instead, the team found that severe OSA was significantly associated with obesity, and residual OSA was more commonly linked with older age, particularly among adolescents.
While the research did not establish a direct link between SES and OSA severity, Dr. Johnson emphasised the need for further investigation into the relationship. He highlighted the critical nature of understanding how socioeconomic status intersects with paediatric OSA, stating that “social disadvantages can further affect the consequences of poor sleep quality.” He also noted that children who experience both OSA and social disadvantages might be at increased risk and may require specialised interventions.
The significance of this study lies in its identification of childhood obesity as a key factor in the severity of sleep apnea, thereby opening the door to potential interventions targeting weight management. Supported by the Beth and Marvin C. “Cub” Culbertson Professorship in Pediatric Otolaryngology, the research also emphasises the complex interplay between obesity, age, and sleep disorders in children, and calls attention to the need for a multifaceted approach to address these interconnected health challenges.
Read MoreLuton Council takes action against childhood obesity by banning unhealthy food ads on municipal property
Luton Council has made a significant decision to combat the growing concern of childhood obesity in the town by implementing a ban on advertising for unhealthy food items on most of its council-owned property. As part of this determined initiative, advertisements featuring food products high in fat, salt, and sugar will no longer be permitted to be displayed on billboards, lampposts, screens, or roundabouts within the town’s jurisdiction.
This move, according to the council, aims to “protect children and adults” from the influence of marketing that promotes unhealthy eating habits. The situation has become particularly alarming in Luton, where childhood obesity rates have exceeded national levels. The latest figures from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) revealed that 11.4% of reception age children in Luton (ages four to five) were classified as having obesity, compared to the national rate of 10.1%. Similarly, obesity among children aged 10 to 11 (Year 6) in Luton stood at 29.2%, noticeably higher than the national rate of 23.4%.
Labour councillor Khtija Malik, who holds the portfolio for public health, declared the ban as a “start” in the town’s efforts to decrease its “high rates of obesity among young children.” Ms. Malik stressed the importance of fostering healthy eating habits early in life, acknowledging the considerable impact advertising has on shaping people’s food choices.
This ban, although extensive, will not encompass all advertising locations within the town. Unhealthy food adverts may continue to be seen on bus shelters until at least 2027, as the council’s current advertising contract for these spaces extends to that year. However, Ms. Malik reassured that the council, having “control of our assets,” would exercise control over “what is advertised” in areas under its jurisdiction.
The move by Luton Council has not only demonstrated a proactive approach to a pressing public health issue but has also been met with support from advocacy groups. Fran Bernhardt, the children’s food campaign coordinator at Sustain, a group dedicated to better food and farming, lauded the council’s efforts, stating, “Luton Council has stood up to the food and drinks industry on behalf of all their residents.” She further emphasised the importance of the decision, pointing out that those residing in the most deprived areas are the ones most affected by unhealthy food advertising and are consequently most at risk from diet-related diseases.
The decision by Luton Council signifies an important step in recognising and addressing the complex factors that contribute to childhood obesity. By limiting the exposure to advertising that encourages unhealthy food choices, the council is actively working to create an environment that supports healthier lifestyle decisions. This ban is a notable example of local governance taking decisive action to influence public behaviour and health, reflecting a growing awareness of the pivotal role advertising plays in shaping dietary habits and preferences. It serves as a landmark measure that could potentially inspire similar initiatives in other towns and cities, contributing to a broader societal shift towards prioritising public health.
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