Tag

Observational Studies

All articles tagged with #observational studies

health8 days ago•7 min saved

GLP-1 drugs and cancer risk: headlines outpace the evidence

Headlines claiming Ozempic (GLP-1 drugs) prevent cancer overstate the evidence. While early concerns about thyroid and pancreatic cancer are not strongly supported in humans, observational studies are plagued by biases like healthy-user effects and choice of comparator. Two 2025 meta-analyses of randomized trials show little evidence GLP-1s raise or lower overall cancer risk, though follow-up is short and cancer events are few. More long-term, globally representative trials are needed before claiming cancer prevention or survival benefits. For now, GLP-1s do not appear to increase cancer risk, and preventive claims remain unproven.

via The Conversation|

#cancer-risk #glp-1 #health

health1 month ago•5 min saved

One Glass at a Time: Reconsidering Alcohol Risk

The author argues that while alcohol carries real health risks, much of the evidence comes from observational studies with underreporting, which can exaggerate danger. She explains the difference between relative and absolute risk, notes that binge drinking is more harmful than steady moderate use, and argues that headlines claiming no amount of alcohol is safe may overstate the case. Despite recognizing some risk, she intends to continue enjoying wine, emphasizing personal value and informed judgment over alarmist messaging.

via The Bulwark|

#alcohol #cancer #health

health2 years ago•46 min saved

Experts Warn: Who Should Avoid Cannabis Use

An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and observational studies has assessed the risks and benefits of cannabis use. The review found that cannabis-based medicines increased adverse events related to the central nervous system, psychological effects, and vision in people with mixed conditions. Cannabidiol was found to be effective in reducing seizures but increased pneumonia and gastrointestinal adverse events. Cannabis-based medicines or cannabinoids were found to reduce chronic pain but increased psychological distress. The review also highlighted the harmful effects of cannabis use during adolescence and early adulthood, in people with mental health disorders, during pregnancy, and while driving. Overall, the review supports the avoidance of cannabis in certain populations and highlights the need for caution in its use.

via The BMJ|

#cannabis #health #health-risks

health3 years ago•3 min saved

The Truth About Drinking: No Health Benefits, Declining Screening Rates, and Longevity Risks

New research has shown that moderate drinking has no health benefits at all, debunking the idea that having a few drinks is not detrimental to one's health. The latest study analyzed more than 100 previous studies of more than 5 million adults and found that most of those studies were observational, which means that they could identify associations and links within the data, but not necessarily determine cause and effect. The report found that moderate drinkers demonstrate other behaviors that probably affect their overall health: They tend to be healthier eaters and they’re more likely to exercise. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction issued a much more hardline stance on drinking, recommending that Canadians avoid alcohol as much as possible.

via The Takeout|

#alcohol #canadian-centre-on-substance-use-and-addiction #health

health3 years ago•3 min saved

Study Debunks Health Benefits of Moderate Drinking

A new report published by JAMA has found that moderate drinking has no health benefits at all, debunking the idea that having a few drinks is not detrimental to one's health. The report analyzed more than 100 previous studies of over 5 million adults and found that most of those studies were observational, which means that they could identify associations and links within the data, but not necessarily determine cause and effect. The report concluded that moderate drinking doesn’t give you a longevity advantage over complete abstinence. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction issued a much more hardline stance on drinking, recommending that Canadians avoid alcohol as much as possible.

via Yahoo Life|

#alcohol #canadian-centre-on-substance-use-and-addiction #health

health3 years ago•1 min saved

Debunking the Myth: Alcohol's Health Benefits are Flawed.

A new analysis of 107 studies of 4.8 million adults published between 1980 and 2021 debunks the idea that moderate drinking provides benefits for health and longevity. The analysis found "a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality among female drinkers who drank 25 or more grams per day and among male drinkers who drank 45 or more grams per day." The supposed health benefits of drinking shrink dramatically when accounting for the differences between moderate drinkers and abstainers, who often include people who'd given up alcohol because of health problems.

via Newser|

#alcohol #health #health-risks