Obesity is high and holding steady in the U.S., but the proportion of those with severe obesity — especially women — has climbed since a decade ago, according to new government research. The U.S. obesity rate is about 40%, according to a 2021-2023 survey of about 6,000 people. Nearly 1 in 10 of those surveyed reported severe obesity, the CDC found. Women were nearly twice as likely as men to report severe obesity. The overall obesity rate appeared to tick down vs. the 2017-2020 survey, but the change wasn't considered statistically significant; the numbers are small enough that there's mathematical chance they didn't truly decline. That means it's too soon to know whether new treatments for obesity, including blockbuster weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound, can help ease the epidemic of the chronic disease linked to a host of health problems, according to Dr. Samuel Emmerich, the CDC public health officer who led the latest study.
Private equity's takeover of thousands of healthcare businesses has sparked a backlash among physicians, and many are joining new professional organizations to oppose corporate influence in U.S. medicine.
Florida health officials told physicians Thursday that abortion is permitted “at any stage in pregnancy” to save the life and health of the mother, and regulatory action will be taken against any providers who don’t offer that care. In a notice to providers, the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration says Florida "requires life-saving medical care to a mother without delay when necessary." The agencies said a physician providing life-saving treatment for pregnant women “does not violate Florida law and that failure to do so may constitute malpractice." They said the alert was issued "to address misinformation currently being spread concerning Florida's abortion laws." Florida bans abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is around six weeks. Anyone who performs an illegal abortion could be charged with a third-degree felony punishable with up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine and loss of their medical license.
There are about to be fewer options for mental health services in the northland as two psychiatric hospitals prepare to shut down. The closures only pile more work on the remaining mental health treatment facilities, which are still open. They will have to look elsewhere for help, which could mean traveling further. Signature Hospital has provided mental health treatment for over 10 years at North Kansas City and Liberty Hospital. Not only does this mean people are out of work, but other organizations also have to absorb the patients left behind.
Modern healthcare providers are immersed in a sea of innovative strategies designed to lift the standards of care they offer. Understanding and implementing these strategies can lead to significant improvements in patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
Healthcare spending in the United States is rising, with serious implications for the federal budget, according to projections from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.