Antiobesity drug safety; dietary effects on COVID-19; ACA insurance - Morning Medical Update

Preliminary evaluation of GLP-1 RAs

The U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA) has been evaluating reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, the diabetes treatments that are becoming wildly popular for weight loss. FDA’s early review found no evidence of increased suicidal thoughts or actions.

Veggies vs. COVID-19

Researchers analyzing patient diets found a 38% lower incidence of COVID-19 in people who ate plant-based diets, compared with those who ate meat. The study, based on data from adults in Brazil from March to July 2022, was the first to report lower incidence of the disease with a vegetarian diet.

‘The Affordable Care Act is more popular than ever’

Enrollment in Affordable Care Act health insurance plans has reached more than 20 million people, already surpassing record signups in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In most states, the enrollment deadline is Jan. 16. Here’s what President Joe Biden had to say about that.