Proposed bill would allow AI to write prescriptions; workout supplements linked to muscle dysmorphia in youth; early-onset breast cancer rates rising, varying by location – Morning Medical Update

Proposed bill would allow AI to prescribe FDA-approved drugs

Rep. David Schweikert (R-Arizona) has introduced the Healthy Technology Act of 2025 (H.R.238), which would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to clarify that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models to be classified as health practitioners, capable of prescribing drugs authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The text of the bill is short, and lacks details on which drugs could be prescribed, and which clinical settings could be involved. PharmaPhorum has more.

Muscle-building supplements linked to muscle dysmorphia in adolescents and young adults

A new study, published in PLOS Mental Health, found that the use of muscle-building supplements is strongly associated with muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescents and young adults in Canada. Researchers analyzed data from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors, including 2,731 participants, and found that individuals using supplements like whey protein, creatine and pre-workout products, were more likely to exhibit symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including excessive concern over muscularity and functional impairment.

Specific findings include that individuals using creatine monohydrate were 3.01 times more likely, and those consuming weight/mass gainers were 5.71 times more likely to score above the clinical cut-off for muscle dysmorphia.

Early-onset breast cancer rates rising, varying by location

A new study from Colombia University Mailman School of Public Health shows that breast cancer rates in women under 40 are on the rise across the U.S., with significant geographic variation. From 2001 to 2020, incidence rose by more than 0.5% per year in 21 states, with the highest rates found in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii and Connecticut. Incidence was 32% higher in the five states with the highest rates compared to the five states with the lowest rates. The Western region of the U.S. saw the fastest growth, while the South remained stable.

Researchers emphasized the need to consider location-based environmental factors and lifestyle habits, including alcohol consumption, in assessing the risk of breast cancer in younger women. Results of the study are published in Cancer Causes & Control.