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Local France
3 days ago
- Health
- Local France
How serious is France's obesity problem?
There's a popular misconception abroad that obesity is not a problem in France - whole books have even been written on this subject (such as the famous French Women Don't Get Fat). In reality, however, not only is it a problem but one that the government considers requires a whole new campaign to tackle. The French government on Monday announced plans to present an "obesity plan" in September 2025, which intends to address the health issue at several levels, including in education, health, sporting and medical contexts. The junior health minister, Yannick Neuder, announced the plan alongside the health minister, Catherine Vautrin, during a visit to the production site of Danish pharmaceutical group, Novo Nordisk, in Chartres. Weight loss drugs The full details of the overall obesity plan will be revealed in September, but making the announcement the ministers referred to possible changes in the rules around weight-loss drugs in France. Neuder referenced several possible ideas to tackle obesity in France, including expanding the power of general practitioners to prescribe two forms of weight-loss medication: Wegovy and Mounjaro. While these medications have been available in French pharmacies since the end of 2024, only doctors who specialise in endocrinology, diabetology, and nutrition can prescribe them. Neuder said the goal would be to allow GPs to prescribe these medications "before the summer". Currently, the medications are not reimbursed by French social security, costing around €300 per month. However, France is in the process of negotiating prices for possible reimbursement, according to Le Monde . Ozempic - which is a semaglutide like Wegovy/Mounjaro - can be prescribed by French GPs, but only to patients with diabetes. It is reimbursed by social security. But how serious is the issue of obesity in France? Despite stereotypes about French women never gaining weight and the healthiness of the French diet, obesity is a growing concern in France. READ MORE: Myth-busting: Are these 12 clichés about France actually true? Nauder noted the need for the plan, as "obesity is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, which cause 140,000 deaths in France per year." Advertisement As for the numbers, a study from 2020 by researchers from Inserm and Montpellier University Hospital found that 47 percent of French adults were overweight, with more men (36.9 percent) than women (23.9 percent) affected. Obesity differs from being overweight ( surpoids ). French health authorities define it as a BMI (body mass index, or l'indice de masse corporelle, IMC in French) over 30. In contrast, being 'overweight' is classified as having a BMI between 25 and 30. According to the French health site Ameli , between 1997 and 2020, obesity significantly increased. In 1997, 8.5 percent of adults were affected by obesity. As of 2020, that number had risen to 17 percent (17.4 percent of women and 16.7 percent of men). Advertisement Demographics and geography Since 1997, obesity amongst young people (aged 18 to 24) has increased more than fourfold, and among 25-34-year-olds it has increased nearly threefold. During his speech, Nauder noted that "metabolic diseases, diabetes and obesity affect almost 20 percent of French children and adolescents". People living in northern and north-eastern France are also most affected by obesity, with rates above 20 percent in these areas, in contrast to the Paris region and Pays de la Loire, where rates are below 14.5 percent. Obesity levels are also higher amongst low-income groups. The Inserm study found that blue-collar workers ( ouvriers ) had an obesity rate of 18 percent, while 'managers' ( cadres ) had an average rate of 9.9 percent. How does France compare to other countries? Comparison can be tricky, as some countries' data is newer than others, but overall, in comparison to the United States and the UK, France has a lower average obesity rate. In the US, based on a study from August 2021 to 2023 by the CDC , 40.3 percent of adults were considered to be obese. Meanwhile, in the UK, the government reported that based on data from 2022 and 2023, 26.2 percent of adults were living with obesity. Amongst the EU member states, France has historically been among the countries with comparatively lower rates of obesity and overweight. Based on available BMI statistics from 2022, France was among the three countries (along with Italy and Switzerland) with the lowest share of overweight people. According to the World Health Organisation's European obesity report (based on data from 2016), Turkey, Malta and the UK had the highest rates of obesity. France was further down the list, with lower rates of obesity than the EU Member state average and below the EU 14 average.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Indian team in study of AI tool to predict irregular heartbeats
Mumbai: A medical team from India was part of a study that showed artificial intelligence (AI) could predict life-threatening irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias two weeks in advance. "This is a proof-of-concept study which has the potential to save thousands of lives by enabling timely intervention and preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD)," said Dr Kumar Narayanan, a senior cardiologist from Medicover Hospital, Hyderabad, and deputy chair of the Lancet SCD (Sudden Cardiac Death) Commission. He was the only Indian cardiologist in this six-country study led by Inserm, Paris Cité University. The study, published in the indexed 'European Heart Journal' last month, analysed millions of hours of heartbeats through the AI model. Roughly 2.4 lakh ambulatory electrocardiograms (ECG) from six countries were used to train a deep learning AI model so that it could pick up and learn to predict imminent arrhythmias. A few hundred ECGs were used from Indian patients for the study. "The algorithm correctly identified patients who developed fast ventricular tachycardia (VT) — a serious arrhythmia that can trigger cardiac arrest — within the following two weeks with almost 80% accuracy," said the doctor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Glicemia alta? Pingue isso na água antes de dormir Saúde Melhor Idade Veja agora Undo Sudden cardiac death (SCD) refers to unexpected death from a cardiac cause within minutes of the onset of symptoms. While SCD is often caused by a heart rhythm problem, it can also be triggered by other heart conditions such as heart attack or heart failure. It's estimated that 4 lakh to 5 lakh SCDs occur in India every year. While some patients get symptoms such as sudden fainting or chest discomfort, many get no symptoms before collapsing. "Such an AI tool can help identify individuals at risk for serious arrhythmia and SCD, thereby ensuring prompt intervention," said Narayanan. As this was a proof-of-concept study, the doctor said larger clinical trials are needed before the tool is used in a major way. "The idea is that it will someday be available in wearable technology that can catch irregular rhythm," he added. Senior cardiologist Dr Ajit Menon from Lilavati Hospital said, "AI has a predictive role in certain situations, especially in rhythm disturbances." While it can play a role in interpreting cardiovascular imaging, there is still a long way to go. "AI can help us, but doctors have to be the person on the spot making the decision," added Dr Menon. Professor Dr Charan Lanjewar from KEM Hospital, Parel, said AI already plays some role in diagnosing irregular rhythm among patients who wear smartwatches. "However, it has the potential to be deployed for remote monitoring of patients," he added.
Fox News
16-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Diabetes risk linked to these ultraprocessed food combinations
Some additives in ultraprocessed foods are known to be harmful to the body – but what about when these ingredients are combined? A new study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, revealed that the combination of certain food additives can lead to an increased risk of dangerous health conditions, like type 2 diabetes. French researchers from multiple universities, including the Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team at Inserm, examined the link between additive mixtures and the onset of type 2 diabetes by analyzing the health data of more than 100,000 adults in the French NutriNet-Sante cohort. The research, led by Dr. Mathilde Touvier, Inserm research director and study coordinator, analyzed the cohort's eating and drinking habits over an average 7.7-year period. Out of five mixtures tested, two were associated with a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes, according to an Inserm press release. The first mixture contained a variety of emulsifiers — like carrageenan, modified starch and other additives — which can be found in stocks, milky desserts, fats and sauces. "The best diet isn't the one with the least additives. It's the one you can stick to long-term while supporting your health goals." The second mixture contained sweeteners, colorings and acidifiers, which are often in artificially sweetened drinks and sodas, the release stated. Marie Payen de la Garanderie, a PhD student at Inserm and first author of the study, noted that the study is the first to estimate exposure to food additive mixtures in a large cohort and to link them to incidence of type 2 diabetes. "The findings suggest that several emblematic additives present in many products are often consumed together, and that certain mixtures are associated with a higher risk of this disease," she wrote in a statement from the press release. "These substances may therefore represent a modifiable risk factor, paving the way for strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes." Dr. Touvier commented in a statement that further studies are necessary to "deepen the understanding of the potential synergies and antagonisms between these substances." "This observational study alone is not sufficient to establish a causal link," she said. "However, our findings are in line with recent in-vitro experimental work suggesting possible cocktail effects." "They indicate that the evaluation of additives should take into account their interactions and support public health recommendations that advise limiting non-essential food additives." In an interview with Fox News Digital, New Jersey-based registered dietitian and diabetes specialist Erin Palinski-Wade agreed that this research revealed an association, but not a causation, between certain combinations of food additives and type 2 diabetes risk. For more Lifestyle articles, visit "Although more research is needed, it is a strong reminder that we can't just zero in on one ingredient or nutrient — nutrition is about the bigger picture," she said. "Building a diet around more whole, minimally processed foods, being mindful of ingredient lists, and staying consistent in your habits can make a real difference in lowering risk." Palinski-Wade said the new research does raise important questions about how additives can interact with the body and impact health over time. "This study suggests that clusters of food additives may disrupt the gut microbiome and potentially reduce insulin sensitivity, especially when consumed frequently," she said. "It is important to remember, however, that this research found an association, not a direct link, and that these ingredients are considered safe on their own." Palinski-Wade advised people to focus on adding more whole foods like fruits, vegetables and fiber-rich options to their diet, instead of "stressing" over ingredient labels. "Balance matters, but consistency is what drives results." "The best diet isn't the one with the least additives," she said. "It's the one you can stick to long-term while supporting your health goals." According to the expert, there is not enough current research to confirm which additives, and how much of them, can increase diabetes risk — but making changes to diet, such as increasing fiber, cutting back on added sugars and limiting saturated fats, are "proven ways to improve insulin sensitivity and lower type 2 diabetes risk." "If certain ultraprocessed foods help you cut sugar or boost fiber in a way that fits your lifestyle, that can still be a smart choice," the dietitian added. "I suggest thinking of food additives the same way you think about sugar or saturated fat — a little in the context of an overall balanced diet likely won't do harm." For optimal results, it's best to choose an approach that supports overall health but is realistic, according to Palinski-Wade. "At the end of the day, balance matters, but consistency is what drives results."
BBC News
28-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Is it healthier to use household cleaning products – or not?
Our use of cleaning products has increased significantly since Covid-19. But some of the products we're using to clean our homes come with their own health risks. Humans have been cleaning with chemical agents for around 5,000 years. Ancient Romans' version of the professional cleaner was the "urine scrubber", after it was discovered that urine could be used to clean fabrics. Thankfully, we've come a long way since then. More recently, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our everyday hygiene habits, with many people becoming more conscious of potential pathogens in the home. Our use of cleaning products increased substantially during the pandemic, according to a Finnish study. Scientists found that, during this period, people cleaned 70% more often, and the amount of cleaning products they used increased by 75%. Household cleaning products, including antibacterial spays, promise to kill most of the harmful bacteria in our toilets, on our kitchen surfaces and elsewhere around our homes. But there's a growing body of scientific evidence showing that they can also increase our exposure to various harmful chemical air contaminants and particulate matter. What are the risks involved with cleaning our homes regularly – and should we be worried about the products we're using? Using household cleaning products is one of the "modifiable risk factors" of asthma, says Emilie Pacheco Da Silva, postdoctoral researcher at Inserm, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, where she specialises in the asthma effects of disinfectants and cleaning products. This means it's a behaviour that can be changed to lower the risk of developing the condition and experiencing symptoms. Scientists, who in 2024 analysed 77 studies looking into the health effects of household cleaning products, concluded that they can have a harmful effect on respiratory health. In particular, cleaning products applied in spray form are suggested to have more harmful effects on the respiratory system than liquids and wipes. The scientists found that regular use of cleaning sprays increases the risk of developing asthma, triggering current asthma, and poorly controlled asthma in adults, and wheezing in children. Specifically, using sprays between four and seven times a week has been associated with an increased risk of asthma in young adults, and there is some evidence that symptoms worsen with increased use. Researchers say sprays are worse than other types of cleaning products because the chemicals become airborne and therefore it is easier for us to inhale larger amounts. Some studies the researchers looked at also found a link between exposure to cleaning products during pregnancy and persistent wheezing in early childhood. These products can pose an even greater risk to children, they add, who breathe faster than adults. One reason for this is because using cleaning products produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause ear, nose and throat irritation. "There's enough evidence to know that cleaning products are harmful to some people, particularly if they use them a lot. What's harder is which specific chemicals cause damage," says Nicola Carslaw, professor of indoor air chemistry at the University of York in the UK. However, there's some evidence suggesting that there's more risk associated with certain chemicals, including chlorine, ammonia, hydrochloric acid, chloramine and sodium hydroxide, as these are corrosive and reactive irritants that, when inhaled, may damage tissues at a cellular level. What about natural and 'green' cleaning products? In recent years, there has been a rise in demand for 'natural' household cleaning products, which don't include any synthetic chemicals, and those that purport to be better for the environment. Researchers concluded in their 2024 review that "green products", which contain only biodegradable ingredients, seem to be less harmful than conventional ones, though they say further research is needed to examine their impact on respiratory health. When Pacheco Da Silva realised there were no population studies looking at the impact of "green" and homemade products on respiratory health, she analysed data from more than 40,000 people, and asked them about their respiratory health and use of household cleaning products over the previous 12 months. She expected the data to show that using household wipes containing disinfectant on a weekly basis would have a harmful effect on asthma, and the use of green and homemade sprays and wipes would be less harmful. She initially saw that weekly use of products in all three categories were associated with asthma. However, when Pacheco Da Silva studied the weekly use of individual product categories while also taking into account people's weekly use of irritants or sprays, the association with asthma disappeared for products branded as "green" and homemade products, whereas the use of wipes remained significantly linked with asthma. The study indicates that "the household use of green and homemade products could be less harmful to asthma, but that the use of wipes could be deleterious," says Pacheco Da Silva. However, she says, there's no standard definition for "green" cleaning products, which may skew the study's findings. Indeed, it is a term commonly misused in marketing slogans (read Isabelle Gerretsen's story on why terms like "green" don't always mean what you think). Carslaw adds that "green" cleaning sprays aren't necessarily any better for us, though, because our bodies don't know the difference between natural and manmade ingredients. Sprays are worse than other types of cleaning products because the chemicals become airborne In one study, Carslaw looked at the chemical reactions that happen when using cleaning products containing natural ingredients. She found that they often contain as many aroma chemicals as regular cleaning products. "With a lemon-scented cleaning product, for example, it doesn't matter if the scent is lemon or factory-made, it's the same compound when it's released into the air," she says. This compound in lemon is limonene, and when it undergoes chemical reactions, it can produce formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Some people choose to use homemade cleaning products on the assumption that they're healthier. But while there's some general ideas around what these ingredients can be – water, citric acid, salt, baking soda – there's no official recipe, and there's a lack of information around how active ingredients should safely be used, scientists say. There are also concerns among scientists that extensive use of antibacterial cleaning products is contributing to antibiotic resistance, the process whereby bacteria develop defences against antibiotics, which lessens their effectiveness against some infections. Some studies show that using certain antibacterial products can cause a cross reaction with certain antibiotics, which means you might get a resistance to those antibiotics, which hinders their effectiveness, says Elaine Larson, professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in the US. "Eventually we may theoretically reduce the ability of the immune function to respond to an encounter with organisms," Larson says. This can be explained by the hygiene hypothesis, Larson adds, which argues that the more bacteria, viruses and other microbes children are exposed to at an early age, the better their immune system develops. However, in recent years, there has been some disagreement from scientists about the accuracy of this theory. Larson has spent her career dedicated to studying antibacterial resistance, and, in 2007, she carried out a study to address her growing concerns regarding humans' exposure to antimicrobial soaps and household cleaning products. Larson wanted to see if there was any health benefit when it came to using products labelled as antibacterial. She gave 238 families living in Manhattan products like a kitchen spray and hard-surface cleaner (either antibacterial, or that didn't contain antibacterial ingredients) at random – all commercially available, but with the labels removed. Larson then monitored the participants every week for almost a year and took note of any respiratory viral symptoms they reported (flus, colds, coughs and runny noses). At the end of the study, Larson found no difference in respiratory symptoms between the two groups of participants. Ultimately, it didn't seem to matter whether their laundry, bathing and hard-surface cleaners contained antibacterial ingredients or not. "This was pretty good evidence that the most important thing is the friction [between the surface and cloth, caused by the action of cleaning], and it doesn't matter so much whether a product [contains something] labelled anti-bacterial," she says. Other studies have found that showering and bathing with nonantibacterial soap increases how much skin bacteria is dispersed into the air around us – and Larson is suggesting a similar mechanism may happen when we clean our homes. Our own 'elbow grease' is at least as effective as the cleaning product we choose And the US Food and Drug Administration advises that it's the motion of handwashing that's most effective, and that there is no conclusive body of research showing that antibacterial soap is any more effective that soap and water. However, Larson concludes in the study that the types of infections most likely to be influenced by household cleaning, such as gastrointestinal disease, may be bacterial in origin – and the products selected in the study didn't claim to have anti-viral properties. The reason for this, Larson says, is that antibacterial products don't always deter viruses, which can be airborne and are often the cause of respiratory infections. "Things on the outside of our bodies are much less likely to cause contamination than breathing in the flu, so antibacterial products aren't affecting the transmission dynamic," she says. However, Larson adds, antibacterial products may help with gastrointestinal or bacterial infections, like salmonella, by killing or inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. She writes in her paper, though, that any potential benefit of using antibacterial cleaning products must be weighed against a theoretical risk for antibiotic resistance. A University of Sheffield study found that "gentle" cleansers – those without antibacterial ingredients – can kill "enveloped" viruses (viruses with an outer layer) including coronavirus. So how should we clean our homes? Scientists don't know the exact mechanisms behind the links between household cleaning products and our health, but the general advice is to minimise our exposure to them, Carslaw says, and only use them as often as we need to. The American Lung Association, for example, advises keeping the area well ventilated, and to avoid using irritant ingredients. "No one would suggest you stop cleaning, because it's had a massive impact on reducing the amount of diseases we used to get 50 years ago," Carslaw says. However, we should always ensure there's good ventilation in the room we're cleaning, such as an open window, Carslaw adds. Another way to lower the risk to our health, she says, is to use liquid cleaners rather than sprays. "Sprays are effective at converting chemicals in a product into aerosols, which are easier to breathe," she says. "With liquid products, you don't get the same dose." Carslaw also advises cutting down on cleaners that have lots of added fragrances, as this generally increases the likelihood of them containing products that will irritate our airways. The consensus is that it's definitely safer to clean our homes than it is to not clean them at all. And with the research indicating that "green" or "natural" products may also pose certain risks, perhaps we should bear in mind that our own "elbow grease" is at least as effective as the cleaning products we choose – since the friction caused when we wipe surfaces helps to lift the bacteria off. -- If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features, videos and can't-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week. 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