Shafaqna Health: New medical guidelines and research released this week could reshape how we approach some of the most important issues in health care today. Here’s what to know.
GLP-1 guidelines: The World Health Organization recommended that semaglutide therapies like Ozempic and Wegovy may be used to treat obesity in adults, alongside diet and exercise changes. The drugs are so popular that states funding them through Medicaid are facing budgetary issues.
Smartphone risks: A new study that analyzed data on more than 10,000 teens found that kids who own a smartphone before 12 years old may face a greater risk of mental health issues, poor sleep and obesity.
HIV treatments: New HIV studies highlight the routes scientists are taking to cure the virus. One small study found that an initial round of immunotherapy could control the virus in most patients for months without taking daily pills. “This is unexpected and unparalleled,” one researcher said.
Mangione pretrial hearing opens
At a pretrial hearing yesterday, lawyers for Luigi Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, sought to throw out key evidence. New details of the 911 call that led to his arrest were also revealed.
Major Northeast snowstorm
After pummeling the Midwest, a winter storm that’s tracking eastward is forecast to bring up to 10 inches of snow to parts of the Northeast today, potentially causing travel disruptions. Are you in the region? See advisories for your area.
New TSA fee
The Transportation Security Administration said that starting on Feb. 1, 2026, travelers who go through airport security without a Real ID or passport will face a $45 fee — up from a proposed $18 last month. [Yahoo News]
