In over a decade, for the first time, obesity rates in the United States is declining. As per a recent study published last Friday in the journal JAMA Health Forum, it was found that the obesity numbers in the United States have gone down slightly from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023. While it is only a slight decline, it is also important to note that it is the first drop recorded in almost a decade.

"What we're seeing for the first time is that curve is bending and shows a sign of hope for something that was really a threat to American public health for so many years," said John Brownstein, co-author of the study, who is also the chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School.

How was the study conducted?

The study reviewed the body mass index (BMIs), a measure of obesity of 16.7 million US adults over a 10-year period. The average BMI rose annually to 30.25, which is considered obese, however, after 2022, a different trend was noticed. It plateaued in 2022, and then dropped to 30.21 in 2023.

Weight Loss Drugs

Brownstein and his team also noted that women and adults aged 66 to 75 saw the greatest drop in obesity rates. Whereas people who live in the South, where there was the highest dispensing rate of weight loss drugs, also known as the GLP-1 receptor agonist, also so a sharp decline in obesity.

Semaglutide is also one of the drugs in the class of the GLP-1 agonists, and also an active agent found in the popular drug like Ozempic and Wegovy. The United States also saw a 700% increase in the use of weight loss drugs, and not as a side-product for diabetes, but specifically for weight loss from 2019 to 2023, mentions a 2024 study titled Shifting Trends in the Indication of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Prescriptions: A Nationwide Analysis, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. However, these medicines are also used to mainly treat type 2 diabetes or combination of diabetes and obesity.

This is, what Brownstein thinks, has helped a slight decline in the obesity rates in the United States.

ALSO READ: When Ozempic And Wegovy Fail To Work- Why GLP-1 Drugs Aren’t The Magic Bullet For Everyone

What are the other reasons?

Brownstein mentions that there are other reasons too for this slight decline. For instance, looking at the pharmacy prescription, it was seen that while South had the highest dispensing rate of weight loss medication, this area also saw a disproportionately high number of COVID-19 deaths, especially among its obese population.

Another reason, mentions Benjamin Reader, paper's co-author and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, is the change in lifestyle. "You have this emergence from COVID, of which people are potentially starting to be more active again, stopping the sedentary habits that they picked up during COVID," said Reader. "All of these forces are at play, and I don't think we can disentangle them from this data."

However, obesity still remains a critical public health issue. Other experts have pointed out that there is a need to look at this positive indicator in a specific database. While this could mean that people are doing better, however, it is also important to see if these factors last long and how the rats play out over time. As of now, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 60% of the adults in the United States are obese, and have high blood pressure, while 23% have diabetes.

ALSO CHECK OUT: These Are The Most 10 Obese States In the US

The United States is having its worst year for measles since 2019, with almost 1,200 cases reported in 35 states so far in 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 29 new cases in the most recent weekly report, bringing the country total to 1,197—just short of overtaking the 2019 high point, which itself was the highest since the disease was officially declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

Although the outbreak is still predominantly among those who are unvaccinated, what is making headlines is that at least 3% of all confirmed cases have been among those who were fully vaccinated, having completed two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. This new trend is putting vaccine effectiveness, breakthrough infections, and public health readiness into question.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to humans. Before the vaccine era, it infected millions annually. Today, while vaccines offer strong protection—estimated at 97% effectiveness after two doses—the latest data reminds us that no vaccine offers absolute immunity.

CDC states that approximately three dozen of the close to 1,200 infections were among fully vaccinated individuals. Another 2% of infections were seen in individuals who had received one dose of the MMR vaccine. The importance of these breakthrough cases is not in the failure of the vaccine per se, but in learning how waning immunity, timing of vaccination, and intensity of exposure affect risk of infection.

Although these breakthrough cases are uncommon, they do happen, especially in settings with high viral load or prolonged exposure," said Brian Wakeman, deputy task leader of the CDC's measles laboratory task force.

Through the first half of 2025, measles has affected 35 states. Texas continues to be one of the most challenging, with at least 21 cases among fully vaccinated individuals. While activity associated with the West Texas outbreak has begun decreasing, new clusters are arising in Dallas County and elsewhere. Dallas recently reported its first case since 2019—a fully vaccinated adult woman in her 20s with no travel history.

The CDC verifies that 90% of measles cases for this year are linked to outbreaks, rather than to sporadic or unassociated infection. To put this in perspective, a mere 69% of last year's cases were outbreak-related. The total for national outbreaks has risen to 21, already well above 16 for all of 2024.

International and local travel have been one of the major forces causing these epidemics. "Further cases have been seeded from the Texas outbreak, as well as related outbreaks in Mexico and Canada," Wakeman said. "Importation of measles due to international travel persists, particularly as the peak summer season picks up."

This spread that is caused by travel has prompted the CDC to release fresh guidelines, especially for those visiting summer camps and mass gatherings. Camp operators are encouraged to review staff and child vaccine history and adopt response plans in the event of exposure.

The greatest percentage of this year's cases has been in school-age children (37%), then adults aged 20 and older (33%), and children under five years of age (29%). The coincidence with school schedules, daycare centers, and camps has highlighted the renewed focus on vaccine coverage in these groups.

Most of those who were infected were either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. But the few cases among fully vaccinated persons raise significant questions regarding how immunity works in the real world.

Has the Vaccine Effectiveness Declined?

The MMR vaccine remains among the most useful devices in contemporary medicine. It has 93% protection following one dose and 97% following two, as reported by the CDC. Yet vaccine-induced immunity does slowly decrease over time, especially in people vaccinated many years ago with older versions.

Health authorities are currently advising older persons, particularly those who were vaccinated prior to 1968, to seek consultations with their healthcare providers to find out if they will require a booster. Such advice is most crucial for older persons traveling abroad or engaging in high-risk group activities.

Post-Exposure Protocols and Booster Recommendations

The CDC also reminds the public that post-exposure prophylaxis can decrease infection probability or severity. It is an intervention that includes vaccinating or treating someone within 72 hours of confirmed exposure. But note that in the 21 Texas breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals, none had received a second dose as part of post-exposure prophylaxis—emphasizing that breakthrough infections still happened despite full initial immunization.

For exposed individuals, particularly in groups or while traveling, prompt response can be the difference between life and death. Early vaccination or immunoglobulin therapy is still the gold standard for risk reduction after exposure.

How To Prepare Kids for Summer?

With summer already underway, the CDC is proactively preparing institutions serving children and adolescents. Summer camps are being encouraged to verify records of immunity among staff and visitors, keep isolation facilities in place, and immediately report suspected cases to local health authorities.

Parents should also check their children's vaccination status, especially if they are going to sleepaway camps or group programs. Although schools generally impose vaccine mandates, there are still exceptions and loopholes in most jurisdictions based on non-medical exemptions or incomplete records.

The text of increased cases of measles—coupled with breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated populations—underscores the necessity of straightforward, open public health messaging around vaccines. Officials acknowledge efforts to reassure vaccine efficacy even as they recognize that the vaccine has limitations.

"Breakthrough cases do not represent a failure of the vaccine," CDC officials point out. "They remind us that high community coverage, awareness about travel, and management of outbreaks remain key to containment."

Measles may have been declared eliminated in the U.S. two decades ago, but the virus is proving that it still poses a threat in a globally connected world. The vast majority of cases are still among unvaccinated populations, yet even fully vaccinated individuals aren’t entirely immune in the face of intense exposure and declining community immunity.

India's active caseload for COVID-19 has fallen by a fraction to 6,483 as of Wednesday, indicating a hopeful shift in the recent surge of infections. The figures, made public by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, indicate a moderate but significant drop from yesterday's total of 6,836 active cases. Yet this decline is not a cause for complacency—especially with the onset of newer subvariants like LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the newly identified NB.1.8.1.

This change requires the re-emphasis of home care practice and prevention principles, particularly for at-risk groups. We dissect the current numbers, the continued risk determinants, and offer an expert-approved safe home quarantine guide to the current stage of the pandemic.

Although the overall number of cases in the latest wave continues to be low relative to earlier pandemic waves, four have died in the last 24 hours—two each in Maharashtra and Delhi and one in Kerala. All the deceased had underlying respiratory and chronic diseases and were elderly.

The capital city of Delhi is currently witnessing the highest number of new infections with 65 fresh cases, pushing its active tally to 620. Kerala, however, continues to top the chart with 1,384 active cases, followed by Gujarat (1,105), Karnataka (653), and Maharashtra (489). Encouragingly, Kerala also saw the steepest decline with 275 fewer cases in a single day, indicating that regional responses may be curbing transmission effectively.

A Mini-Wave or a Seasonal Surge?

Epidemiologists attribute this recent spike in COVID-19 cases to a "mini-wave" and not a complete resurgence. Dr. Charu Dutt Arora, Consultant Physician – Infectious Diseases and Head of Geriatrics, AmeriHealth, Asian Hospital says, "We are seeing trends similar to seasonal flu-like behavior. These kinds of periodic spikes are going to keep occurring as the virus changes into an endemic, controllable disease."

Unlike the terrifying Delta and initial Omicron waves, this spike has not been suffocating healthcare facilities. Hospitals in big cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune see only a drip of serious cases. All the patients are reporting flu-like symptoms like minimal fever, cough, throat pain, and tiredness—complaints that can be treated satisfactorily at home with proper care and precautions.

Why Targeted Precautions Are Important?

Although most infections are of a mild nature, health professionals urge increased caution, particularly for senior citizens and persons with comorbid health conditions. Dr. Arora points out, "Even mild variants such as JN.1 may become severe in high-risk patients. That is why it is important to ensure appropriate home isolation measures to avoid household transmission."

Step-by-Step Home Isolation Guide for Families

As the virus continues to mutate with COVID-19, so too must our management of it within the home. Dr. Arora offers a clinically informed, step-by-step approach to guide families through isolation care during the JN.1 variant surge:

1. Create a Safe and Separate Isolation Space

Assign a well-ventilated room with an en-suite bathroom solely to the infected person. Isolation for at least 5–7 days from the onset of symptoms, reintroduction only after being fever-free for 24 hours and symptom improvement.

2. Reduce Household Exposure

Assign a single primary caregiver—ideally, someone young, fit, and with no pre-existing health issue. Both the patient and caregiver must wear good-quality, well-fitting masks (N95 equivalent) while interacting to minimize viral load and risk of transmission.

3. Take Key Vital Signs Twice Daily

Maintain close observation of the patient's oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate, and temperature. "A fall in SpO₂ below 94% or any symptom of breathlessness will require urgent medical attention," cautions Dr. Arora.

4. Adequate Nutrition, Fluids, and Rest

Maintain home-cooked, light, easy-to-digest foods and maintain fluid levels. Refrain from self-medication. Adhere to prescribed drugs only, especially for fever, congestion, or cough. Vitamin supplements are permitted under medical guidance.

5. Adhere to a Strict Cleaning and Disinfection Schedule

Surfaces touched often, including doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom fixtures, should be disinfected every day. Used tissues, masks, and other disposables should be disposed of in sealed plastic bags.

6. Don't Wipe Out Mental Health Needs

Loneliness can be psychologically damaging. Have regular video chats with friends and family, provide books, some light entertainment, or relaxation apps. Dr. Arora says, "Staying emotionally connected can significantly speed up recovery."

Though most recover comfortably at home, early diagnosis and a peaceful, organized response can avert complications. Dr. Arora opines once more, "The single biggest mistake families make is to downplay symptoms at the early stage. Even slight fatigue or throat discomfort should lead to isolation and observation."

In high-risk individuals especially those above the age of 65 or with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or COPD—a pre-emptive consultation with the doctor is recommended even before symptoms worsen.

The drop in hospitalizations and ICU bed usage indicates that India—and the world—are slowly converging to a point of population-level immunity. But as long as the virus keeps mutating, such outbreaks will continue. The trick is rapid adaptation, responsible behavior, and data-driven measures.

COVID-19 might no longer be front-page news in a global context, but its danger hasn't completely dissipated. For households dealing with the JN.1 strain or comparable variants, properly informed home quarantine habits can mean the difference between quick recovery and unnecessary complications.

As Dr. Arora has said, "COVID is now part of our seasonal health landscape. We must learn to manage it wisely, just like we do with the flu—without panic, but never with complacency."

A medical lapse has caused someone's life in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor on Friday. A 26-year-old kidney patient went to District Hospital in Uttar Pradesh where a power outrage led to a death.

The patient, as ABP Live also reported, is named Sarfaraz Ahmad, and is a resident of Phulsanda village. He was undergoing dialysis, however, on the day he reached for his procedure, there was a power cut in the hospital. The hospital too did not have backup as its generator did not have any diesel, as a result it failed to start.

Once the power supply was cut off, the machine came to a sudden stop and the treatment couldn't be resumed. As per a Times of India report, the hospital staff said that the private firm which was responsible for maintaining the dialysis unit had not supplied the necessary fuel to operate the generator.

Sarfaraz's mother spoke to Times Of India and told that she had begged the staff to start the generator. However, no one came for her help. "When the power went off, the machine stopped midway with almost half his blood stuck inside it. I begged the staff to start the generator, but no one helped. My son died soon after."

However, the TOI report quoting medical experts, noted that during haemodialysis, only a "fraction about 200 to 500 ml of blood circulates through the machine at any time."

What Exactly Happens In Dialysis?

As per the National Kidney Foundation, dialysis is a type of treatment that helps your body remove extra fluid and waste products from your blood when kidneys are not able to do so. It was first successfully used in 1940s and became a standard treatment for kidney failure in the 1970s.

Dialysis could be done in hospital, home or at a dialysis center.

Dialysis helps take over some of the essential functions your kidneys normally perform to keep your body balanced. These include:

• Removing waste products and excess fluids to prevent buildup in the body
• Maintaining safe levels of minerals in the blood, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and bicarbonate
• Helping regulate blood pressure

Dialysis is used in two main situations:

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): This is a sudden loss of kidney function that occurs over hours or days. It’s often managed in a hospital with intravenous (IV) fluids. In more severe cases, short-term dialysis may be required until the kidneys recover.

Chronic Kidney Failure: This occurs when kidney function drops to 10–15%, typically measured by an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) below 15 mL/min. At this advanced stage—also called end-stage kidney disease (ESKD)—the kidneys can no longer sustain life on their own. Dialysis becomes necessary to take over some kidney functions, but it’s not a cure. People with ESKD will need ongoing dialysis or a kidney transplant.

What Is The Condition Of The Hospital?

COD Purna Borah also inspected the hospital at the time of the incident and found five patients were lying on the bed without power, lights, or fans.