Read AMA Morning Rounds®’ most popular stories in medicine and public health from the week of Dec. 25, 2023–Dec. 29, 2023.
High-quality low-carbohydrate diet appears to lessen weight gain over four-year period
NBC News (12/27, Carroll) reports, “An analysis of data from nearly 125,000 healthy adults revealed that replacing refined carbs—white bread, white rice or sugary cereals—with whole grain foods and cutting back on animal-based fats and proteins appeared to lessen the amount of weight people gained over a four-year period, according to” a study. Senior study author Dr. Qi Sun said, “When it comes to a low-carbohydrate diet, quality is paramount. ... The things people need to pay attention to are high-quality carbohydrates.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.
Omalizumab shows promise in protecting against severe reactions in children with food allergies
NBC News (12/27, Carroll) reports, “For people with multiple food allergies, new research suggests that a drug already approved for asthma and chronic hives may protect against severe reactions to peanuts, eggs, milk and other foods.” In an analysis of data from a clinical trial backed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, “165 children and adolescents who received injections of the drug Xolair [omalizumab] were able to consume higher doses of the foods without triggering an allergic reaction, compared to those who treated with placebos.”
The Hill (12/27, Weixel) reports, “If approved, Xolair would be the first medicine to reduce allergic reactions to multiple foods following accidental exposure. The companies said the FDA is expected to make a decision on approval in the first quarter of 2024.”
FDA issues warning regarding counterfeit Ozempic
The AP (12/22, Aleccia) reported the FDA “said it has seized ‘thousands of units’ of counterfeit Ozempic, the diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, that had been distributed through legitimate drug supply sources.” According to a statement, the agency “and the drug’s maker, Novo Nordisk, are testing the shots,” but “do not yet have information about the drugs’ identity, quality or safety.”
Repeated withdrawal from contraceptive steroids linked to adverse mental health symptoms
Healio (12/22, Welsh) reported, “Repeated withdrawal from contraceptive steroids during monthly pill pause was linked to adverse mental health symptoms,” according to a recent study. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.
Food-as-medicine program no better at glycemic control for type 2 diabetes than usual care
MedPage Today (12/26, Monaco) reports, “An intensive food-as-medicine program didn’t improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes any better than usual care in a randomized clinical trial.” According to the research, “after 6 months, both groups had a similar drop in HbA1c—1.5 percentage points among program enrollees and 1.3 percentage points with usual care.” The findings were published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Table of Contents
- High-quality low-carbohydrate diet appears to lessen weight gain over four-year period
- Omalizumab shows promise in protecting against severe reactions in children with food allergies
- FDA issues warning regarding counterfeit Ozempic
- Repeated withdrawal from contraceptive steroids linked to adverse mental health symptoms
- Food-as-medicine program no better at glycemic control for type 2 diabetes than usual care
