September 14, 2023

A cross-sectional study found that disadvantaged and disordered neighborhood environments were associated with excess adiposity in adolescence. Adolescents living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are exposed to chronic stressors such as crime, violence, overcrowding, and food insecurity, which undermine their psychological and physical health. Stress exposure promotes unhealthy eating behaviors. Moreover, chronic stress can lead to the...

Intravenous lidocaine decreased the median effective concentration of sufentanil for tracheal intubation in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a recent study. Sufentanil is widely used to inhibit hemodynamic responses induced by tracheal intubation. However, using sufentanil during anesthesia induction is associated with reduced heart rate and blood pressure. Intravenous lidocaine attenuates hemodynamic responses without...

A low glycemic index/load diet showed no association with changes in cardiometabolic, glucometabolic, and anthropometric parameters in overweight and obese children in a recent study. Extensive research has focused on combinations of dietary interventions for preventing and treating childhood obesity. However, the effect of a low glycemic index (LGI) and low glycemic load (LGL) diet...

Retatrutide was found to be effective for reducing body weight in obese adults in a phase 2 trial. Recent years have witnessed rapid advancements in the development of pharmacotherapeutic agents for treating obesity, especially with the introduction of hormone-based agents. Retatrutide is a single peptide that is an agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Oct. 7, 2023 According to a recent study, lower socioeconomic status is linked to higher mortality rates in multiple sclerosis patients. Researchers used a large, population-based cohort to study mortality trends. Overcoming disparities in socioeconomic status could lead to improved survival rates for people with multiple sclerosis....

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Oct. 7, 2023 A recent narrative review sheds light on the racial disparities in multiple sclerosis, focusing on Black and Hispanic populations in the United States. The study recommends targeted research and interventions for these historically underrepresented groups. Multiple sclerosis affects Black and Hispanic populations differently in...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Oct. 4, 2023 A comprehensive review examined the need for more research into racial and ethnic disparities in MRI findings among multiple sclerosis patients. The study highlights the importance of diversity in clinical trials and customized treatment plans. MRI studies reveal varying lesion burdens among different racial...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Oct. 4, 2023 A recent podcast examined the disparities in healthcare experiences and outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals with multiple sclerosis, suggesting the need for inclusive care, improved awareness training for healthcare professionals, and further research. LGBTQ+ individuals with multiple sclerosis experience less favorable healthcare and poorer overall...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Oct. 4, 2023 A recent international workshop provides actionable recommendations for increasing diversity and inclusion in clinical trials for multiple sclerosis. These guidelines aim to close the gap between trial participants and the broader multiple sclerosis patient population, thereby improving the generalizability of research findings. Clinical trials...