JAMA Clinical Reviews

Discover the latest in obesity treatments with insights on incretin-based medications, showcasing impressive weight loss stats. Gastrointestinal side effects are discussed alongside dietary tips to enhance medication adherence. Hypothyroidism's risk factors and prevalence are explored, emphasizing tailored levothyroxine dosing. Dive into diabetes care as experts dissect evolving treatment options and screening guidelines for better outcomes. This informative discussion promises to keep healthcare professionals updated and engaged.

Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, a physician-scientist and Editor-in-Chief of JAMA, joins Jennifer Abbasi to unveil the journal's Research of the Year. They explore significant topics such as groundbreaking studies on hypertension and heart failure, the impact of lifestyle interventions on cognitive decline, and the benefits of real-world evidence in clinical trials. Kirsten also highlights a crucial shingles vaccine study linked to dementia and discusses the implications of AI in healthcare research. Their insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the year's most impactful findings.

Francesca Celletti, a Senior Advisor at WHO focusing on obesity, and Ezekiel Emanuel, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dive into the WHO's new guidelines on GLP-1 therapies for obesity treatment. They discuss crucial recommendations, the importance of ongoing data, and the gap in long-term understanding. Concerns about side effects, lifestyle interventions, and equitable access are raised. Both emphasize that while medications are essential, solving obesity requires systemic changes and collaboration.

Dr. Lara Dunn, a head and neck medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, shares her expertise on head and neck cancer, the seventh most common cancer worldwide. She explores the connection between tobacco, alcohol, and HPV as risk factors. The conversation highlights screening challenges for HPV-associated cancers and the importance of HPV status in prognosis. Dunn also discusses treatment strategies tailored by stage and emphasizes the need for supportive care before and after treatment.

Neelima Tummala, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at NYU Langone Health, discusses the alarming impact of climate change on allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. She highlights how rising temperatures and CO2 levels are extending allergy seasons and increasing pollen production. Tummala shares practical strategies for patients, such as using purifiers and optimizing medication timing to align with pollen shifts. She emphasizes the importance of education and advocacy for public health in the face of climate challenges.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Kevin Hill, an addiction specialist and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, dives into the therapeutic applications of cannabis and cannabinoids. He highlights the critical balance clinicians must find between the benefits and risks of use. Hill shares data on the prevalence of medical cannabis, explains FDA-approved formulations, and addresses acute and chronic risks associated with THC. He also discusses strategies for harm reduction and voices concerns about adolescent use impacting cognitive health.

Dr. Michelle Mauermann, a professor of neurology and chair at the Mayo Clinic, shares insights on peripheral neuropathy, a condition affecting 1% of adults globally. She discusses its common causes like diabetes and B12 deficiency, the mechanisms behind its debilitating symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis through EMG testing. Treatment strategies range from conservative measures to tailored medications like gabapentinoids. Mauermann also highlights the role of physical therapy in managing symptoms and preventing falls.

Norbert Stefan, MD, a leading endocrinologist and MASLD researcher, discusses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. He reveals alarming global prevalence rates, especially in obesity and diabetes. Geographic variations in MASLD highlight rising incidences in Asia and harsher impacts in Eastern Europe. Stefan explains the role of diet, alcohol, and exercise in managing MASLD and outlines the diagnosis process through ultrasound and advanced imaging. He also covers innovative treatments, including medication and lifestyle changes to combat this growing health concern.

Frederick P. Rivara, a pediatrician and firearms injury prevention expert at the University of Washington, joins host Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo to discuss the recent JAMA Summit on reducing firearm violence. They explore the public health crisis of firearm deaths and outline a ambitious roadmap for a safer future by 2040. Rivara shares insights from a diverse group of 60 experts, highlighting five strategic steps to reduce firearm harms, and emphasizes the importance of community-based interventions and systems change in tackling violence.

Mackenzie R. Wehner, an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, dives into the world of keratinocyte carcinomas, a prevalent form of skin cancer. She discusses risk factors like UV exposure and the impact of childhood sunburns. Indoor tanning's contribution to cancer risk reveals alarming truths, while sunscreen advice highlights the importance of SPF 30+. Wehner clarifies how to distinguish actinic keratoses from more serious conditions, and emphasizes the need for regular skin exams and careful monitoring to minimize recurrence.