Social media not ‘clinically addictive,’ Instagram CEO testifies; Lilly combo boost skin clearance, weight loss in psoriasis; millions miss hidden heart risks – Morning Medical Update

Social media not ‘clinically addictive,’ says Instagram CEO

Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified in Los Angeles Superior Court that while social media can be used in ways that feel excessive, he does not consider it a clinical addiction. Comparing heavy Instagram use to being “hooked” on a Netflix show, Mosseri said it’s important to distinguish between addiction and “problematic use.” The testimony came in a closely watched trial alleging that Meta and YouTube designed features such as infinite scroll to foster addictive behavior and harm young users’ mental health. Plaintiffs argue the platforms misled the public about safety, while Meta maintains the apps include safeguards and that protecting minors is consistent with long-term business interests. CNBC has more.

Lilly’s Zepbound-Taltz combo improves psoriasis, fuels weight loss

Eli Lilly says that pairing its weight-loss drug Zepbound with psoriasis treatment Taltz led to better results than Taltz alone in a late-stage study of 274 adults with psoriasis and obesity or overweight. After 36 weeks, about 27% of patients on the two drugs had completely clear skin and lost at least 10% of their body weight, compared with about 6% of those taking Taltz by itself. Side effects were mostly mild to moderate and similar to what’s already known about each medicine.

Most Americans miss hidden heart risks

Millions of Americans may be overlooking major heart risks that don’t start in the heart, according to a new alert from the American Heart Association (AHA). Nearly 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know they have it, and as many as 9 in 10 people with chronic kidney disease are undiagnosed — both key drivers of heart disease. The group is urging broader screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and kidney function, noting that these conditions are closely linked and often develop without symptoms. About 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable, AHA says, making early detection and treatment critical.