Subscribe to InnovationRx, your exclusive weekly report on healthcare news, by signing up here. In the 19th century, Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian astronomer and sociologist, initially developed the concept of the body mass index (BMI) as a means to measure the ratio of height to weight in the “average man,” rather than determining obesity levels. The definition of BMI as we know it today was codified in the 1970s, with its purpose being to track population health rather than assess individual health. Despite its acknowledged limitations in scientific literature, BMI has become a commonly used measure of obesity due to its simplicity. However, the American Medical Association (AMA) recently adopted a policy recognizing the limitations of BMI and providing guidance to healthcare professionals on utilizing it in conjunction with other measurements for a more comprehensive evaluation of patients’ health. This policy aims to restore BMI to its intended purpose and acknowledges the need for a more diverse sample population. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing other valid risk measures, such as waist circumference, genetic factors, body composition, and visceral fat, along with BMI. The AMA’s policy shift has generated attention from political commentators, sparking a cultural debate. Nevertheless, the primary goal of the policy is to remind healthcare professionals that BMI is just one component in assessing health and should not be the sole determining factor. For instance, classifying individuals like Travis Kelce or Zion Williamson, who are professional athletes with high muscle mass, as “obese” based on BMI alone would be inaccurate. In unrelated news, we would like to recognize Bruce Japsen, a longtime Forbes contributor, for publishing his latest book on Walmart’s history in the healthcare industry—be sure to check it out!
In other news, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a groundbreaking complaint against 1Health.io, a San Francisco-based genetic testing company, alleging a breach of client privacy. This case raises concerns shared by more than half of Americans regarding the protection of personal data associated with DNA health and ancestry kits. For more information on this matter, click here.
In pipeline and deal updates, pharmaceutical company GSK announced promising results from a late-stage clinical trial of its RSV vaccine, which indicates long-term protection in older adults with just a single shot. Additionally, the FDA has granted approval for glofitamab-gxbm, marketed by Genentech as Columvi, for the treatment of specific patients with large B-cell lymphoma. Furthermore, surgical data platform provider Caresyntax has initiated a strategic partnership with medical liability insurer ProAssurance, whereby Caresyntax tools will be offered to ProAssurance’s surgeon customers. Moreover, Verge Genomics has disclosed positive safety data from the phase 1 trial of VRG50635, an AI-based drug candidate for ALS treatment. This represents a significant step forward in the field of AI-driven drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases.
Continuing to explore the impact of Covid on various health conditions, new studies suggest a link between Covid infection and an increased risk of developing diabetes. The virus may act as a “disease accelerator” for individuals, heightening the likelihood of diabetes development. To learn more about these findings, click here.
In other healthcare news, vaccine scientist Peter Hotez claims to have been stalked after criticizing Joe Rogan and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for spreading vaccine misinformation on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. Additionally, pharmaceutical giant Merck has filed a lawsuit against CMS and HHS over drug pricing provisions outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act, shedding light on the complexities of establishing fair drug prices. A new study suggests that the virus responsible for Hepatitis D may cause more diseases than initially believed. Furthermore, a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that nearly one in five Americans experienced depression in 2020. Walgreens has partnered with biotech company Freenome to conduct clinical trials focused on the early detection of cancer, following CVS Health’s decision to scale back on clinical trials by the end of 2024. Lastly, a recent poll indicates that approximately two-thirds of practicing OB/GYNs believe that the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has increased pregnancy-related mortality rates and made it more challenging to manage emergencies during pregnancy.
Explore more fascinating content from across Forbes:
– Intel unveils its latest silicon-based quantum chip
– A promising AI startup aims to rival Nvidia by developing brain cell-powered computers
– TikTok confirms that some U.S. user data is stored in China
Recommended reads from other publications:
– Stat uncovers the prevalence of false information in bloated patient records due to copy-paste practices
– Wired explores how states with abortion bans are experiencing a shortage of Ob-Gyns
– Nature delves into the challenging task of determining fair data sharing practices among nations in the context of a global “pandemic treaty”
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
