Ozempic, Prozac, Alzheimer’s, food systems: Morning Rounds

Good morning! I hope everyone is gearing up for a week filled with cookies and minimal emails. I wanted to touch base one last time this year, with some important topics to discuss.

### How safe is food in the U.S.?

Every year in the United States, approximately 48 million people fall ill and 3,000 lose their lives due to contaminated food. Experts in the food industry are concerned that recent spending cuts by the Trump administration could leave more individuals vulnerable to foodborne illnesses in the future. Former CDC leader Daniel Jernigan highlighted how these cuts may be undermining the food safety system, leading to potential breakdowns in monitoring pathogens, staff shortages at CDC and FDA, and reductions in administrative support for FDA inspectors. It’s crucial to monitor these changes closely to ensure the safety of our food supply.

### ‘While many may celebrate so-called successes gained for women over the last 30 years, one must ask what defines true success for women?’

The recent appointment of Bethany Kozma to lead the HHS Office of Global Affairs has sparked controversy due to her past statements equating abortion with “murder” and expressing discriminatory views towards transgender individuals. This appointment comes at a time when efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for trans youth are on the rise, with legislative actions aimed at limiting access to crucial healthcare services. It’s essential to question what true success for women entails in light of these developments.

### We may not be done with Ozempic for Alzheimer’s

Neurologist Jason Karlawish explores the impact of iconic drugs like Prozac on society and delves into the potential of Ozempic in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Despite recent disappointing data on the use of GLP-1s for Alzheimer’s, Karlawish reflects on the transformative power of drugs like Ozempic and the valuable lessons they can offer in our understanding of healthcare.

### ‘An itch like a panic attack’

Kelly Barta’s struggle with topical steroid withdrawal sheds light on a poorly understood condition that has long been overlooked by the medical community. Despite progress in research led by allergist-immunologist Ian Myles, the Trump administration’s cuts have posed challenges to further studies on this condition. Boodman’s piece in American Science, Shattered, underscores the importance of continued research in contested illnesses and the impact of funding cuts on medical advancements.

### 5%

A study in JAMA Health Forum warns of a potential 5% increase in homelessness if federal funding for Housing First programs is eliminated. These programs have proven more successful in providing stable housing for unhoused populations compared to treatment-first models. However, recent executive orders signaling the end of discretionary funding for these programs could have dire consequences for those in need of housing support.

### What we’re reading

– Exclusive: Kennedy vaccine adviser to take a new role at CDC on children’s health research, STAT
– Worried about health insurance costs? There may be cheaper options — but with trade-offs, The 19th
– 3 key issues to watch at FDA as Makary struggles to stabilize the agency, STAT
– The role of doctors is changing forever, New Yorker
– Why Denmark’s vaccine schedule works for Denmark — but not for the United States, STAT

Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in healthcare and societal issues. Let’s work together to create a healthier and more equitable future for all.