What We’re Reading: Diabetes/Obesity Drugs and Suicidal Thoughts; High US Hunger Risk; Low COVID-19, Flu Vaccination

FDA Finds No Definitive Link Between Diabetes, Obesity Drugs and Suicidal Thoughts

A preliminary review by the FDA did not find a conclusive link between popular drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity, such as semaglutide, the medication in Ozempic and Wegovy, and suicidal thoughts or actions, according to The Associated Press. However, the FDA also stated that although no definitive evidence has been uncovered, it cannot definitively rule out a small risk and will continue investigating reports. The review follows a federally funded study that found a lower risk of suicidal thoughts with semaglutide compared with other drugs used for obesity and diabetes, which was prompted by European regulators investigating anecdotal reports of self-harm thoughts among semaglutide users.

Congress Urged to Increase Funding for Vital Nutrition Program

Biden administration officials are calling on a divided Congress to increase spending on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children to avert a potential crisis, according to Reuters. The proposed $1 billion in additional funding is crucial for preventing as many as 2 million people from being turned away due to a shortfall caused by rising food costs and increasing program participation. The program, providing vital support to about 6.7 million low-income individuals, faces the risk of reduced services and longer waitlists if Congress does not act promptly.

Low COVID-19, Flu Vaccination Rates Strain Global Health Care

Public health officials are raising concerns about low vaccination rates against the latest versions of COVID-19 and influenza, putting significant pressure on health care systems globally, according to Reuters. Despite recommendations and efforts to communicate the risks, vaccination rates remain "incredibly low," with only 19.4% of US adults receiving the current season's COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly half of US adults getting a flu shot. Furthermore, the World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of increasing vaccine coverage to prevent severe illness and mitigate the impact on health care systems.