Eating disorders are a group of illnesses that affects a person's relationship with their body and body image. They are mental illness recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980s. The recent edition of DSM recognizes 8 categories of eating disorders:

Pica: people with pica tend to eat nonfood substance which carry no nutrition value. This may include chalk, soap, paint chips, clay, etc.

Rumination disorder: The main symptom here is repeatedly regurgitating recently eating food, by spitting out, rechewing or swallowing. People with this disorder may experience nausea, involuntary vomiting urges, and feelings of disgust.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): IT happens when you severely limit your diet and eat only certain kinds of food.

Anorexia nervosa: People restrict eating food based on the fear of gaining weight. This also happens when someone loses weight from dietary restriction but is still considered to be at an average or above-average weight.

Bulimia nervosa: This is based on regular binge eating and engaging in compensatory behaviors to "undo" the effects of overeating, mostly by vomiting, or overdosing on laxatives.

Binge Eating Disorder: This is the uncontrollable urge to over eat.

Other specified feeding or eating disorders: This is when someone has symptoms of eating disorders but does not meet criteria listed by DSM-5.

The highest mortality rate of the mental illness is Anorexia Nervosa. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, almost 30 million Americans live with an eating disorder. A report titled: Economic Costs of Eating Disorders, provides that if you live in America, there is a 9% chance that you would have an eating disorder.

As per the 1998 study: Eating disorders in adolescents: Principles of diagnosis and treatment, it is the 3rd most common chronic illness in adolescent females.

US is struggling with the issue of eating disorders, as per the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, it claims 10,000 lives every year. Here is a list of top US states with the most cases:

• West Virginia: incurs upwards of $359 million yearly economic loss due to eating disorders.
• North Carolina: Anorexia, bigorexia, and body dysmorphia are the most searched Google keywords here, and it costs the state's economic $2.1 billion each year.
• Arkansas: Costs $42.4 million yearly
• Minnesota: Costs $1.1 billion yearly
• Iowa: Costs $624.42 million yearly
• California: Costs $7.8 billion yearly
• Indiana: Costs $1.3 billion yearly
• Ohio: Costs $2.3 billion yearly.
• Georgia: Costs $6.7 million yearly for hospitalization, which it has costed Georgia's economy an estimated total of $2.1 billion.
• Colorado: It has more than 400 inpatient hospitalizations each year costing hospital system an average of $3.7 million each year.
• Washington: It has 542 inpatient hospitalization costing the state $4.8 million yearly.
• Maryland: Costs the state's economy $1.2 billion yearly.
• Oregon: Here, the most popular keyword search is binge eating, followed by anorexia.
• Arizona: It costs $1.4 billion and results in more than 1100 yearly emergency room visits.
• Utah: It had the most searches in 2023 on anorexia and got a perfect score of 100 in Google Trends, resulting in 500 emergency room visits each year, with the state's spending at $625 million yearly.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is promoting a long-debunked theory, suggesting a potential link between vaccines and autism, and claiming that studies supporting this connection “have been ignored by health authorities.”

CDC Pushes Controversial Vaccine-Autism Theory

The disputed theory appeared on a revised section of the CDC’s website under “Autism and Vaccines” on Wednesday. The website now states: “The statement ‘Vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim. Scientific studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines contribute to the development of autism.

However, this statement has historically been shared by the CDC and other federal health agencies within HHS to prevent vaccine hesitancy.” The agency added that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has “launched a thorough review of the causes of autism, including investigations on plausible biological mechanisms and potential causal links.”

It also noted, “This webpage will be updated with gold-standard science.” Prior to Wednesday, the page stated there is “no link” between vaccines and autism, and no vaccine ingredients were connected to the condition, according to archived versions cited by The Washington Post.

CDC Faces Criticism

Another part of the site, “About Vaccines for Your Children,” last updated in August 2024, still asserts, “Scientific studies and reviews continue to show no relationship between vaccines and autism.” Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a former CDC official who resigned earlier this year as head of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, criticized the changes, saying on X, “The weaponization of the voice of CDC is getting worse. DO NOT TRUST THIS AGENCY. This is a national embarrassment.” Despite the new language, the header “Vaccines do not cause autism” remains due to an agreement with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health Committee, who cast the deciding vote to advance Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to the full Senate floor.

CDC Staff Shocked

The revisions surprised CDC staff, including those overseeing vaccine safety and autism information, leaving them blindsided, according to The Post. “We just saw it, and everyone is freaking out,” one scientist said, as per NBC News.

While the changes could undermine public confidence in vaccines, Kennedy and Trump have historically supported this theory. Both have also warned against Tylenol use during pregnancy, claiming a link to autism, despite large-scale studies disproving any connection.

What Is The Vaccine And Autism Link About?

Autism spectrum disorder, or autism, is a condition that affects the brain, making it challenging for some people to communicate and interact with others. Experts still don’t fully understand what causes it.

The idea that vaccines might play a role largely began with a 1998 study suggesting that the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine—or infection with the natural measles virus—could lead to autism. Since then, numerous scientific studies have shown there is no connection between vaccines or any of their ingredients and autism.

The 1998 study itself was later discredited: the research was found to be false, the doctor responsible lost his medical license, and the journal that published the paper retracted it, acknowledging it should never have been published.

Despite strong evidence showing vaccines are safe and effective, some parents still choose to delay or skip vaccinations for their children. This can be very dangerous, as diseases like measles, which vaccines prevent, are still circulating. An unvaccinated child who contracts one of these illnesses can become seriously ill or even die and may also put others at risk.

While mild reactions like a fever or rash can occur after vaccination, the chance of a serious side effect from the MMR or other recommended vaccines is very small compared to the risks of the diseases they protect against.

A major claim from China has sparked global curiosity and debate after a Shenzhen-based biotechnology company announced that it has developed a longevity pill capable of significantly slowing ageing.

A biotechnology company in Shenzhen, China, has caught worldwide attention by claiming to have created a pill that could dramatically slow the ageing process. According to the firm, the pill may one day help humans live up to 150 years by targeting ageing at the cellular level.

As per The Independent, Lonvi Biosciences says its formula focuses on ‘zombie cells’—aged cells that refuse to die, causing inflammation and age-related illnesses. Let’s take a closer look at the pill and explore whether this ambitious claim could be possible.

‘Zombie cell’ Pill From China Promises Life Till 150

The Shenzhen-based company, part of China’s rapidly growing longevity industry, claims it has produced a pill that could theoretically stretch human life to 150 years. The formula targets so-called “zombie cells”—older cells that resist dying, leading to inflammation and disease associated with ageing. “This is not just another pill. This is the Holy Grail,” said CEO Ip Zhu, calling the capsule a breakthrough that could make extreme longevity achievable. The main ingredient comes from grape seeds and has shown in lab studies to extend lifespan in animals by delaying age-related diseases. Lonvi’s researchers suggest that taking the pill in adulthood could push life expectancy past 120, while starting from birth could surpass 150.

How Will The ‘Zombie Cell’ Pill Work?

The pill contains procyanidin C1 (PCC1), a compound extracted from grape seeds. In experiments with mice, Lonvi claims the treatment increased overall lifespan by 9.4%, with a remarkable 64% improvement when dosing started from the very beginning. Lyu Qinghua, Lonvi’s chief technology officer, told The New York Times that reaching 150 is “definitely realistic” and could be possible “within a few years.”

China has made anti-ageing research a national priority, with President Xi Jinping reportedly discussing it with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Anti-ageing research, combined with AI and biotech, has quickly moved from niche interest to mainstream focus in the country.

Do Grape Seeds Have Anti-Ageing Effects?

A study in Nature Metabolism showed that procyanidin C1 from grape seed extract successfully extended both the lifespan and health span of mice, paving the way for future clinical trials.

Cellular senescence plays a key role in ageing, occurring when cells can no longer perform their functions. In recent years, researchers have identified drugs called senolytics, which can eliminate these senescent cells in the lab and in animal studies. This approach is an important step toward reducing age-related chronic diseases and could play a critical role in extending lifespan.

Can The ‘Zombie Cell’ Pill Really Extend Life Span To 150 Years?

While the company’s claims have not yet been tested in human trials, scientists believe the approach holds promise for extending life. Lonvi’s researchers say the PCC1 pill can boost cellular health, delay deterioration, and maintain energy production over time. They suggest that when combined with a healthy lifestyle, the pill could help people live beyond 100, and possibly even past 120, while also reducing diseases linked to ageing.

A cheese brand has recalled one of its products over a serious health risk. Face Rock Creamery LLC has announced a voluntary recall of its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar, according to a recent notice shared by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The decision came after the FDA detected Listeria monocytogenes in the area where the cheese was packed. The cheese is being pulled from shelves due to listeria contamination, which has also been linked to recent deaths in the United States, as reported by The Independent.

Cheese Products Recalled Due To Listeria

Only 16 units of the affected cheese were sold at the Face Rock flagship outlet at 680 2nd St. SE, Bandon, Oregon. Shoppers can identify the recalled product by its UPC code 8 512222 00547 8, according to the FDA.

These six ounce blocks were sold between November 10 at 3:30 p.m. PT and November 13 at 3:30 p.m. PT. Although no illnesses have been confirmed so far, customers who purchased the cheese are advised to discard it or bring it back to the store for a complete refund.

Recalled Cheese Product

The item under recall is the Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar with a use by date of November 4, 2026, and the UPC 8 512222 00547 8. Face Rock Creamery stated that it is committed to strict food safety practices and transparency and that it is cooperating with authorities while taking immediate action to secure its production setting, according to The Independent. As of November 18, the FDA had not received any reports of illness tied to this cheese.

The recall notice on the FDA website explains that listeria infections can be dangerous and may be fatal for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immunity. It also states that healthy people might experience short-term problems such as high fever, strong headache, stiffness, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea. For pregnant women, listeria can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths.

What Is Listeria?

Listeria is a bacteria found in soil, water and animals that can contaminate food and cause listeriosis, a serious infection, as per World Health Organization. It poses a higher risk for pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems because it can live and grow even at refrigerator temperatures.

People usually become sick after eating contaminated items such as soft cheeses, deli meats or unpasteurized milk. Symptoms may be mild or flu-like, but the infection can lead to dangerous problems, including meningitis.

Listeria Deaths in US

In the United States, listeria is the third leading cause of death linked to foodborne illness and is responsible for about 260 deaths each year. Many food products have been recalled in the past few months due to listeria concerns. As per USA Today, six people have died in a multistate outbreak connected to recalled prepared pasta dishes sold at large chains including Albertsons, Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market and Trader Joe’s.

Federal officials reported at least 27 infections across 18 states, and CNN noted that a pregnant woman lost her fetus after becoming sick.

Listeria Symptoms You Should Watch Out For

Symptoms of listeriosis often begin with fever, chills, muscle pain, nausea or diarrhea. In more severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system and may cause intense headache, stiff neck, confusion, seizures and widespread infection that leads to organ failure. Pregnant women may have only mild flu-like signs, yet the infection can cause serious harm to the developing fetus.