Can a new scale really measure incessant thoughts about food?
Ro, a telehealth giant, has introduced a new questionnaire aimed at measuring incessant thoughts about food, particularly in individuals with obesity. This scale, known as RAID-FN, is designed to help identify which obesity treatments can effectively reduce “food noise” in patients. While some researchers and clinicians have adopted this scale, there is still insufficient evidence to determine its efficacy and utility for patients. Critics have raised concerns that the scale may be more of a marketing tool than a diagnostic tool. STAT’s Elaine Chen explores the science behind obesity and the controversy surrounding Ro’s scale in her insightful story.
IVF companies praise Trump’s push to make procedure more affordable
The Trump administration’s recent efforts to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) more affordable have been met with praise from the fertility sector. President Trump announced a deal with drugmaker EMD Serono to lower the prices of drugs commonly used in IVF and make them more accessible to consumers. Additionally, the administration pledged to improve IVF coverage outside of primary health insurance benefits, potentially reducing costs for patients. Industry officials believe that these initiatives could make fertility treatments more widely accessible and affordable. STAT’s Daniel Payne provides a comprehensive look at the implications of these policy changes.
Who’s calling the shots on home care eligibility?
In the wake of Trump’s tax bill, federal funding for state Medicaid programs is facing significant cuts, potentially impacting home care services for elderly and disabled populations. A recent report highlighted the complexities and political motivations behind the algorithms governing eligibility for these programs. The report sheds light on the uncertainties surrounding eligibility systems and raises questions about the future of home care services. Emily Paul, one of the report’s co-authors, discusses the current landscape of eligibility systems and the challenges facing vulnerable populations in need of home care.
The challenge of evaluating new autism studies
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found an association between increased autism incidence and air pollution during pregnancy. While the study presented compelling findings, journalists face challenges in evaluating the validity of such studies due to confounding variables that can impact the results. This study, like many others, raises important questions about how research is conducted and reported in the media. By examining the criteria used to assess studies, journalists aim to provide readers with a clearer understanding of complex scientific findings. The study’s implications and limitations are crucial for readers to consider in the context of autism research.
I use off-label GLP-1s for addiction. Trump’s low-cost plan won’t work for me.
Nick Dothée, a writer based in Los Angeles, shares his experience using off-label GLP-1s for addiction treatment. Despite finding relief from drug and alcohol dependence through this unconventional treatment, access to these drugs remains limited for individuals seeking addiction treatment. While Trump’s plan to lower the cost of these drugs could benefit some patients, Dothée emphasizes the importance of expanding access to GLP-1s for addiction purposes. His story underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking innovative treatments for addiction and the need for greater accessibility in healthcare.
What we’re reading
- Is your medication made in a contaminated factory? The FDA won’t tell you, ProPublica
- The N.F.L. players trading their helmets for scrubs, New York Times
- OpenAI loosened suicide-talk rules before teen’s death, lawsuit alleges, Wall Street Journal
- JD Vance officiated the wedding of new head of NIH environmental institute, Science
- Her refusal to approve a dangerous drug changed medical history, The 19th
