What We’re Reading: Obesity Could Cost Trillions; Colon Cancer Rising in the Young; Albuterol Shortage Worsens

Cost of Obesity Could Be $4 Trillion Worldwide by 2035

According to a new report from the World Obesity Federation, obesity costs are projected to skyrocket globally as prevalence increases, reported STAT News. The report projected that over 50% of the world’s population will be overweight or obese by 2035. It also said that the economic burden of a high body mass index could rise to $4.32 trillion a year if current trends continue and current policies around obesity persist.

Why Are More Young People Getting Colorectal Cancers?

More people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a younger age and with metastatic disease, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s puzzling providers and researchers, said The Wall Street Journal. About 20% of new colorectal cancer diagnoses were found in patients under 55 in 2019, compared with 11% in 1995. Researchers said that risk factors like unhealthy diets, heavy drinking, inactivity and possibly the environment might contribute to the findings, but don’t fully explain why diagnoses are growing in young people.

Albuterol Shortage Worsens, With 1 Remaining Domestic Supplier

An Illinois albuterol manufacturing plant shutdown suddenly last week, and specialists are warning of a worsening shortages, reported The Washington Post. The firm, Akorn, had wrestled with bankruptcy for 2 years and was the target of FDA enforcement actions. It closed its US operations on Thursday, leaving just 1 last domestic supplier of the medicine, although another supplier is scrambling to build a second supply, said experts. The drug has been on the FDA’s shortage list since fall 2022.