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5 days ago | 
health.com | Kaitlin Sullivan |Julia Landwehr |Nick Blackmer
Researchers are just beginning to understand how exposure to microplastics impacts our health. Kseniia Zatevakhina / Getty ImagesMicroplastics are everywhere, including in every organ in human bodies. Researchers are just beginning to explore how these particles are harming our health, and how you can lower your risk. Some studies suggest that eating specific foods could help make the body more resilient to the effects of microplastics.
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1 week ago | 
health.com | Julia Landwehr |Amber Brenza
A new, fast-moving COVID variant known as NB.1.8.1. has been detected in the U.S.koto_feja / Getty ImagesA new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in the U.S.The variant has been classified as a "variant under monitoring" by WHO, and has been found in 22 countries. Experts say NB.1.8.1 could play a role in a potential COVID summer surge, but symptoms are similar to other COVID infections.
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1 week ago | 
health.com | Jenna Anderson |Julia Landwehr |Nick Blackmer
somboon kaeoboonsong / Getty ImagesConsumer Reports ranked the 10 foods linked to the largest recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks in 2024. Many of these foods are higher risk because of how they’re grown or processed, or because of how they’re served. Cook and handle these foods carefully, and consider avoiding them if you’re at risk of severe illness from foodborne pathogens. 2024 was a major year for food recalls.
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2 weeks ago | 
health.com | Simon Spichak |Julia Landwehr |Nick Blackmer
Munro / Getty ImagesIn a head-to-head trial, Zepbound beat out Wegovy for weight loss, a clinical trial showed. Experts say that both drugs are safe and effective options for treating obesity. Though Zepbound led to greater weight loss, factors such as insurance coverage and secondary treatment indications can impact whether Zepbound or Wegovy is right for you. With multiple safe and effective weight loss drugs on the market, how can you tell which one is best? New research may have an answer.
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2 weeks ago | 
health.com | Stephanie Anderson Witmer |Julia Landwehr |Nick Blackmer
EyeEm Mobile GmbH / Getty ImagesThe shingles vaccine may protect against more than just the virus, recent research suggests. Studies have linked the shot to a lower risk of dementia and heart issues. Preventing shingles may reduce inflammation that contributes to cognitive and heart health issues, experts explained. A pair of recent studies has found that the shingles vaccine may protect against more than just shingles—it may reduce the risk of dementia and heart issues, too.
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2 weeks ago | 
health.com | Brian Mastroianni |Julia Landwehr |Nick Blackmer
NataliaDeriabina / Getty ImagesIn a new study, people ate slower when they took smaller bites, listened to calming music, and chewed more. Previous studies have found that longer meal times, or eating more slowly, can help people eat less and manage their weight. Being more mindful as you’re eating can help you pay attention to fullness cues, experts said. Most people know that what you eat has an effect on your weight. But modifying how you eat can be crucial too, according to researchers.
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2 weeks ago | 
health.com | Kaitlin Sullivan |Julia Landwehr |Nick Blackmer
The Good Brigade / Getty ImagesEli Lilly plans to seek approval for a new GLP-1 pill called orforglipron. Clinical trial results show the new pill is about as effective as certain injectable GLP-1 drugs. Experts say an oral GLP-1 pill would be more accessible, since it doesn't require refrigeration or injections, but it's not clear if it'll bring prices down.
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3 weeks ago | 
health.com | Simon Spichak |Julia Landwehr |Nick Blackmer
A new study found that taking certain probiotics could reduce negative feelings day-to-day. Probiotics can support gut health, which may help brain health by extension. However, experts say more research is needed before recommending probiotics for mood. Decades of evidence suggests that the trillions of microorganisms living in people’s guts, called the microbiome, can influence the brain. And now, new research says they might influence how people feel day-to-day, too.
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3 weeks ago | 
health.com | Julia Ries |Julia Landwehr |Nick Blackmer
Douglas Cliff / Getty ImagesTirzepatide and semaglutide, the ingredients in popular weight loss drugs, can both cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. One is not safer than the other—tolerance to the medications largely depends on the patient. There are several ways to avoid and ease side effects, experts said, such as starting with a low dose and eating small meals.
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3 weeks ago | 
health.com | Kristen Fischer |Julia Landwehr |Nick Blackmer
Cris Cantón / Getty ImagesA recent study linked some hormonal birth controls to higher stroke and heart attack risk. Vaginal rings, skin patches, and the pill containing both estrogen and progestin had the highest risk. Cardiovascular risk from birth control is low overall, but experts recommend talking to a healthcare provider to pick the safest option for you. Several forms of hormonal birth control could come with a higher risk for ischemic stroke and heart attack, recent research found.
