JAMA Medical News

Kate Schweitzer, the Associate Managing Editor at JAMA Medical News, discusses the groundbreaking FDA approval of the oral semaglutide pill, Wegovy, for obesity treatment. This shift from injections to an oral format may redefine obesity management, offering a more accessible option for many. She explains the significant differences in dosing schedules, absorption challenges, and stringent administration requirements. Additionally, Kate highlights the pill's cost benefits, easier manufacturing, and why clinicians still show a preference for injections. Discover the future of obesity treatment!

Join Kate Schweitzer, Associate Managing Editor at JAMA Medical News, as she unpacks the WHO's new GLP-1 guidelines for obesity treatment. She discusses the urgent need for these recommendations in light of rising obesity rates and the importance of viewing obesity as a chronic disease. Kate emphasizes that GLP-1 medications are not standalone solutions; they should be integrated with comprehensive care and behavioral support. With equity and access at the forefront, she highlights the potential of an oral GLP-1 pill to revolutionize treatment accessibility.

Samantha Anderer, a staff writer for JAMA Medical News, dives into the world of nicotine pouches, exploring their rise in popularity since 2016 and their potential role in smoking cessation. She highlights the FDA’s pilot program for faster reviews and discusses the balance between benefits and risks, including the risk of nicotine dependence. Samantha also addresses concerns about youth attraction due to flavors and discreet use methods, providing insight into who is using these pouches and the ongoing regulatory landscape.

Emily Harris, a freelance journalist and Harvard medical student, dives into the pressing need for better geriatrics education. She reveals the current inconsistencies in geriatrics training across U.S. medical schools. Key barriers include misunderstanding the field and a lack of accountability. Harris also highlights successful models like early exposure and interprofessional training. Through systems-level changes, she advocates for integrating age-friendly principles into routine healthcare, ensuring physicians are equipped to care for older adults.

Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, Editor in Chief of JAMA and a leading physician-scientist, delves into groundbreaking research from the past year. She discusses the laryngostat trial for treatment-resistant hypertension and how GLP-1 agonists can lower heart failure hospitalization. The podcast also highlights the POINTER trial's lifestyle interventions for dementia risk and the implications of the TRAIN trial on transfusion practices. Kirsten emphasizes the importance of real-world data and AI in healthcare, wrapping up with reflections on the year's most impactful studies.

Rita Rubin, Lead Senior Staff Writer for JAMA Medical News, dives into the recent FDA approval of a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease. She explains how this test measures phosphorylated tau‑217 and can rule out the disease but not confirm it. Concerns arise about primary care physicians testing inappropriate patients and the potential for delays in specialist access for follow-up. Rubin emphasizes the importance of responsible testing, particularly for asymptomatic individuals, and touches on the future of research in Alzheimer’s therapies.

Join cardiac surgeon Joanna Chikwe, chair of the AHA Scientific Sessions, as she unveils groundbreaking research from the recent meeting. She discusses surprising findings on coffee's relationship with AFib and the promising results of a polypill for heart failure that improves adherence. Joanna also explores a game-changing oral PCSK9 inhibitor and its role in preventing major cardiovascular events. Lastly, she highlights a vitamin D trial post-MI that sparks questions about its long-term benefits. Perfect for anyone interested in cutting-edge cardiovascular advancements!

Governors are teaming up to form a Public Health Alliance as federal funding dwindles. The initiative aims to enhance vaccine coordination and manage outbreaks across state lines. However, political divides pose a challenge to unifying public health efforts. Experts analyze whether this alliance could reshape the U.S. public health system for the long haul. The discussion highlights the balance between immediate goals and the need for a sustainable, collaborative approach to health crises.

Katherine R. Tuttle, a nephrology expert and chair of Kidney Week 2025, dives into crucial advancements in kidney health. She discusses the significant impact of SGLT2 inhibitors in reducing kidney failure and heart-related issues. Hear about a groundbreaking trial showing fish oil can cut mortality by over 50% in hemodialysis patients. Tuttle also highlights promising research on conservative dialysis practices that enhance kidney recovery, and the real-world benefits of semaglutide in minimizing kidney complications in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Rita Rubin, Lead Senior Staff Writer for JAMA Medical News, dives deep into metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This common yet underrecognized condition affects a significant portion of U.S. adults. Rubin explains the recent name change from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to reduce stigma, and discusses the alarming progression risks it poses, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent severity, along with new drug approvals boosting treatment options.