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• In 2025, an annual $2,000 out-of-pocket cap will keep costs low for Medicare enrollees on drugs covered by Part D plans.
• A payment plan will allow Medicare enrollees to pay for their drugs in capped monthly installments rather than paying the full cost upfront at the pharmacy.
• A drop in the number of stand-alone Part D drug plans will mean fewer choices for enrollees, which may simplify the process of choosing a Medicare plan.

Several changes are coming to Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans in 2025 that could potentially impact enrollees’ benefits and costs, including changes in premiums, a new out-of-pocket cap, and a drop in the number of drug plans being offered.

“All in all, these 2025 changes offer a good balance between managing costs and adding protections for Medicare beneficiaries,” said Brandy Burch, CEO at BenefitBay.

“For most people, these updates will provide more stability and predictability in their healthcare expenses,” Burch told Healthline, “which can make a big difference when it comes to planning for the year ahead.”

Here’s a rundown of the top five changes coming to Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

Increase in Plan D prescription drug base premium

The Medicare Part D base beneficiary premium will increase in 2025 over the previous year. However, this doesn’t mean Medicare enrollees will pay more out of pocket each month for their Part D drug benefits.

Here’s why.

The base beneficiary premium will be $36.78 in 2025, a 6% increase from 2024, reports nonprofit KFF. This increase is capped at 6% due to a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Inflation Reduction Act also provides a premium stabilization mechanism. This limits the actual premium increases for Part D plans to about $2 per month on average.

The base premium is not what Part D enrollees pay each month. It is the base amount allowed for premiums.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) projects that, thanks to the government’s premium stabilization efforts, the average monthly premium for stand-alone Part D plans will decrease by 4% to $40.00 in 2025.

Actual monthly premiums will range from $0 to $100 or more, reports KFF. In addition, enrollees with higher annual incomes ($103,000 or greater for individuals; $206,000 or greater for couples) will pay an income-related premium surcharge on top of the regular premium.

CMS projects that the average monthly premium for people with a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage will fall by 13% to $13.50 in 2025.

However, a recent analysis by ValuePenguin found that overall Medicare Advantage premiums will increase by 4% for 2025 over the previous year — going from $24 to $25 per month. This rate change varies by state.

These are average changes, so your plan’s premiums may change by a different amount — up or down. It’s important to shop around during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, to find the best plan for your budget and needs.

In addition, over 14 million people with Medicare will have a $0 premium for Part D plans, thanks to the government’s Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program.

$2,000 out-of-pocket max and end of coverage ‘donut hole’

You may have heard about the “donut hole” — or gap in prescription drug coverage — about Medicare Part D. 

You enter this gap once your Medicare Part D plan has paid a certain amount for your prescription drugs during a single coverage year. At this point, you’ll pay more out of pocket for your prescription drugs until you reach your yearly limit.

Depending on your plan, when you hit your yearly limit, the plan may help pay for the cost of your prescription drugs again.

If this sounds confusing, don’t worry. The donut hole will disappear after 2024 and be replaced by a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap in 2025. This change, due to the Inflation Reduction Act, affects all Medicare plans.

Once you have paid $2,000 out of pocket for covered drugs during a calendar year, you will automatically get “catastrophic coverage.” As a result, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for drugs covered by Part D for the rest of the year.

An estimated 1.4 million Medicare Part D enrollees without low-income subsidies are expected to benefit from the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, reports KFF. These people had annual out-of-pocket spending above this limit.

Burch said the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap will have a big impact for Medicare enrollees.

“For people who rely on costly medications, having this cap means they can finally plan their healthcare budget without worrying about unexpected high costs,” she said. “It’s a big step in providing peace of mind and knowing that once they hit that $2,000 threshold, they’re covered for the rest of the year.”

This change will not only lower out-of-pocket drug costs for enrollees — especially for those taking multiple or high-priced medications — but it is also likely to help them take their drugs as prescribed, which can improve their health outcomes.

Payment plan to spread out drug costs

Also coming in 2025 is the option for Part D enrollees to pay their prescription drug costs in capped monthly installments instead of all at once at the pharmacy.

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is available for all plans at no cost, including Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage. However, participation is voluntary.

If you choose this option, instead of paying for your drugs at the pharmacy, you will get a monthly bill from your Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan.

”This [payment plan] makes the cost [of drugs] feel more manageable by breaking it down over time,” said Burch. “It’s like having a bit of breathing room, rather than facing a large payment all at once. And that flexibility can be a relief for those on a tight budget.”

Jenn Kerfoot, chief strategy and growth officer at DUOS pointed out that people on the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan can’t be sent to a credit collector for not paying their bills. However, the plan can kick them off the payment plan if they don’t pay their bills, she told Healthline.

Fewer stand-alone Part D plans

KFF reports that in 2025, there will be 26% fewer standalone Part D plans than in the previous year and 5% fewer Part D plans for Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) beneficiaries.

These drops are due to changes stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act, which takes effect in 2025, including the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. Part D plans and drug manufacturers will also have to pay a larger share of drug costs above the cap, and Medicare will pick up less for drug costs.

However, KFF said enrollees in each state will still be able to choose from at least a dozen standalone plans and many Medicare Advantage drug plans.

While some people may end up losing their current plan, having fewer plans overall could help simplify things for people during Medicare Open Enrollment.

“Fewer choices mean people don’t have to spend as much time evaluating and comparing endless options, which can be overwhelming,” said Burch. “For a lot of older adults, a streamlined set of options can make the process easier and help them focus on finding the best fit, without all the guesswork.”

New Manufacturer Discount Program

At the start of 2025, the Medicare Coverage Gap Discount Program will end. This program helps cover the cost of prescription drugs for Part D beneficiaries who reach the donut hole. 

Since the donut hole is going away due to the new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, the Coverage Gap Discount Program is no longer needed.

It will be replaced starting in 2025 by the Manufacturer Discount Program. Under this program, the manufacturer will typically pay a 10% discount for brand-name drugs and biologics during the initial Part D coverage phase, said CMS. 

When a beneficiary reaches the catastrophic phase—after the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap—the manufacturer will typically offer a 20% discount on these drugs and biologics.

“This change may alter how drug discounts are applied, particularly for brand-name medications,” said Burch. “but the good news is that financial relief [for enrollees] for prescriptions should still be there.”

However, “it’s important for enrollees to double-check how this update might affect their specific medications during open enrollment,” she added. “That way, they can avoid any surprises when it comes to costs.”

Kerfoot recommends that people consider several things when shopping for a Medicare drug plan this year, including whether their plan from 2024 is still offered, whether their existing plan cut their benefits, whether the medications they are taking are still covered by the plan, and whether the premium changed.

Burch also suggests that people keep in mind the five major changes happening next year.

“With the adjustments to out-of-pocket limits, payment options and plan choices, it’s important to pick a plan that best aligns with their specific healthcare and financial needs,” said Burch. “Taking a little extra time now to understand the new landscape can help save a lot of worry, and potentially a lot of money, throughout 2025.”

Takeaway

Several changes are coming to Medicare Part D prescription drug plans in 2025 that could impact drug costs and plan coverage. One change is an annual $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. Once enrollees hit this limit, they won’t have to pay out of pocket for their drugs for the rest of the year.

A new payment plan is also starting up in 2025 that will allow enrollees to pay for their drugs in the form of capped monthly installments rather than all at once at the pharmacy. This free option is available for all Part D plans, including Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage. Participation is voluntary.

In 2025, there will be 26% fewer stand-alone Part D plans than in 2024 and slightly fewer Part D plans for low-income older adults. However, at least a dozen stand-alone plans are available in each state, so enrollees will still have options.

• Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) appear to be leveling off after decades of growth in the U.S., according to the latest statistics from the CDC.
• STIs remain at record levels, but new cases of chlamydia and syphilis could finally be stabilizing, while cases of gonorrhea have declined for two years in a row.
• Large discrepancies in STIs persist for certain populations, with adolescents, gay men, and Black individuals bearing much of the burden.

The STI epidemic in the United States could finally be leveling off, according to a recently released report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2023, chlamydia, the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI), stabilized at pre-pandemic levels. Gonorrhea cases fell for the second straight year.

Meanwhile, cases of syphilis, including reporting for different stages of the disease and congenital syphilis, continued to grow. Still, there’s been a steep decline in syphilis cases compared to prior years.

More than 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported last year; the vast majority (1.6 million) were chlamydia, followed by gonorrhea (600,00) and syphilis (209,000).

Overall, the total number of STIs decreased by 1.8% between 2022 and 2023. 

While new cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis — the three most common STIs — are still at or near record levels, experts are cautiously optimistic about the new CDC data.

Declining condom usage and a changing landscape for sexual education are possible reasons for the high number of STIs in the U.S.

“We’re at an inflection point in the epidemic. This report is encouraging in a number of areas, but it also shows that we have a lot of work to do,” Bradley Stoner, MD, director of the Division of STD Prevention at the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention at the CDC, told Healthline. “We still have a lot of STIs in the U.S., and they’re not equally distributed,” he said.

The data confirms discrepancies in disease burden, Stoner noted. Rates of STIs are not equally distributed, with certain groups, including gay and bisexual men, Black people, and young adults (ages 15-24) disproportionately affected.

‘Alarming’ number of syphilis cases

Syphilis, an STI that can lead to serious health problems, including nerve and brain damage remains the most pressing concern for doctors, and particularly congenital syphilis, which is when the disease is spread to a baby during pregnancy.

In 2023, cases of syphilis increased by 1%, marking more than a 10% decrease compared to the prior year, and the first substantial decrease since 2001.

But, the U.S. still reported nearly 210,000 cases, the highest number since 1950.

“I think the most important part of the report is the fact that we’ve seen a decline in the growth of syphilis cases. The fact that the overall syphilis rate only ticked up by one point. This is really profound,” David Weismiller, MD, ScM, professor of family and community medicine for the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, told Healthline.

There were also nearly 4,000 reported cases of congenital syphilis reported in 2023, the largest number of cases since 1992. Among those cases, 279 resulted in congenital syphilis-related stillbirth and infant death.

Jake Scott, MD, clinical associate professor of infectious disease at Stanford Medicine, called the congenital syphilis statistics “alarming.”

“Congenital syphilis should never, ever occur. No child should die from syphilis. It’s so easy to prevent,” Scott told Healthline.

Gonorrhea declines, chlamydia stabilizes

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is spread through genital contact and bodily fluids.

This STI can infect the genitals, as well as the rectum, eyes, throat, mouth, and female reproductive tract. While it may be asymptomatic, common symptoms of gonorrhea may include painful urination and discharge from the penis or vagina.

The disease fell to historic lows in 2009, but subsequently climbed for more than a decade. The CDC data shows that 2023 marks the second straight year of decline in the U.S.: gonorrhea decreased by 9.2% between 2021 and 2022 and 7.7% from 2022 to 2023.

Chlamydia, also a bacterial STI, is often asymptomatic, but left untreated can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible to become pregnant. Symptoms may include painful urination and discharge.

Cases of the disease have been on the rise for roughly two decades, except for a brief, unexplained dip between 2011 and 2013.

Chlamydia cases declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did rates of other STIs, but subsequently rebounded. Experts believe the dip has more to do with a lack of sexual health resources at that time, including disease screening, rather than changes to sexual behavior.

“Society opened back up and STIs rose to beyond pre-COVID levels. What we think happened there was a lack of clinical care, because STI clinics were closed for the most part,” Stoner said.

The latest data indicates that chlamydia has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but, the authors of the CDC report warn, this may be an artifact of reductions in chlamydia screening.

Prevention, screening key to ending STI epidemic

It’s too early to tell whether 2023 will signal a renewed downtrend for STIs in the U.S. or not. Experts emphasized the need for more resources, particularly for STI education and screening, and safe sex practices.

“One of the goals of our field is to destigmatize STIs so that people aren’t afraid to ask for the tests that they want or need and for clinicians to have those discussions with their patients,” Stoner said.

Using latex condoms is still one of the simplest ways to prevent STIs, pregnancy, and HIV.

Scott said while the report is “encouraging,” discrepancies in care need to be addressed.

“Nearly half of STI cases were in people ages 15 to 24, and so that’s clearly a sign that we are failing to provide effective sexual education to those ages. We aren’t providing enough resources in terms of not only education, but routine testing and treatment,” he noted.

The CDC now also recommends doctors to discuss Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) or taking a course of doxycycline after a potential STI exposure to prevent disease with gay and bisexual men.

“It’s basically like the morning-after pill for sexually transmitted infections…And it’s clearly quite effective at lowering rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis,” Scott added.

Since many STIs may not have symptoms, regular screening is key to prevention.

“STI are oftentimes spread without any awareness and without any symptoms. So, for that reason, when people are sexually active, especially if they’re sexually active with multiple partners, and if they’re not using barrier protection, meaning condoms, then regular screening tests are essential because that’s going to be the only way to diagnose,” Scott said.

Takeaway

The three most common STIs in the U.S. — chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis — remain at or near record levels, but could be leveling off, according to a new CDC report.

The data show that 2023 marked two years of declining cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia that since returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

Syphilis and congenital syphilis remain alarmingly high, however the number of new cases in 2023 only grew by 1%, representing about a 10% drop from the year prior.

Condom usage (or other barrier protection) and regular screening remain the two most effective tools for STI prevention.

• Actor Dave Coulier, known for playing Uncle Joey on Full House, announced he has stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Non-Hodkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune system.
• It can cause symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, chest pain, or fever.
• Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted drug therapy.

Full House actor Dave Coulier, 65, has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The actor was diagnosed in October after a respiratory infection caused his lymph nodes to swell, reports PEOPLE. 

When the swelling increased rapidly, Coulier’s doctor advised him to undergo PET and CT scans and have a biopsy.

“Three days later, my doctors called me back and they said, ‘We wish we had better news for you, but you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and it’s called B cell and it’s very aggressive,’” he told PEOPLE. 

What is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system that helps fight germs.

In this type of cancer, white blood cells (lymphocytes) grow abnormally and can lead to the growth of tumors in other parts of the body.

“The most common presentation of it is usually a swollen lymph node that is painless, and soft and rubbery,” said Jack Jacoub, MD, medical oncologist and medical director of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, Calif.

You have lymph nodes throughout the body, but the ones that you can easily feel with your hand are those in the neck, the armpits, and the groin, he said.

Other things can cause lymph nodes to become swollen, such as an infection. But in this case, they return to their normal size when the infection is over.

If a lymph node continues to be large or is painless, or if a lymph node is swollen on only one side of the body, then you should have it checked by a doctor, said Jacoub.

“Symptoms [of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma] can also include things like fevers or sweats that you can’t explain or unexplained weight loss,” he told Healthline.

According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4% of all cancers.

There are many subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Coulier has B cell lymphoma, which he described as “very aggressive,” reports PEOPLE. Most cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma arise from B cells.

Coulier revealed that a test of his bone marrow showed that his cancer had not spread.

“At that point, my chances of curable went from something low to 90% range. And so that was a great day,” he told PEOPLE.

How non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be treated

Treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends upon the types of cells involved and how aggressive the lymphoma is.

If the lymphoma appears to be growing slowly and is not causing any signs or symptoms, you might not need immediate treatment. Instead, your doctor will monitor your condition every few months to see if your cancer is progressing.

But there are “more aggressive forms of lymphoma, where if you don’t do something, someone could die in a few months,” said Jacoub.

For more aggressive lymphomas, or if it is causing signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend treatment such as:

• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• targeted drug therapy
• engineering your own immune cells to fight the lymphoma, known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy
• bone marrow transplant
• immunotherapy

Coulier told PEOPLE that he started chemotherapy two weeks after his diagnosis, adding that he shaved his head as a “preemptive strike.”

In general, “treatment [for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma] is extremely effective and can cure the majority of people,” said Jacoub, “even when it’s stage four.”

How to reduce your cancer risk

Most people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma don’t have obvious factors that increase their risk of developing this type of cancer.

There are some factors that may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, although not everyone who has these risk factors will develop this cancer. These include:

• Medications that suppress the immune system, such as those taken after an organ transplant.
• Infections with certain bacteria and viruses, such as HIV, the Epstein-Barr virus, or the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori.
• Certain chemicals, such as insect- and weed-killers.
• Being older than 60 years.

“Sometimes certain families seem to have a higher risk of lymphoma. This is why knowing your family history is important,” said Jacoub. “But there is no hereditary disorder that has been identified to say that these people have a higher risk of lymphoma.”

You can’t eliminate your risk entirely. But you can help catch this and other cancers earlier — when they are easier to treat — by having concerning symptoms checked by a doctor and ensuring you have recommended screenings.

“Take great care of yourself because there’s a lot to live for,” Coulier told PEOPLE. “And if that means talking with your doctors or getting a mammogram or a breast exam or colonoscopy, it can really make a big change in your life.”

Jacoub also recommends living a healthy lifestyle in general, which can reduce the risk of other cancers.

“Limit drinking, stop smoking, lose weight as much as you can, exercise, and eat a plant-based or health-conscious diet,” he said.

Takeaway

Full House star Dave Coulier, 65, revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This type of cancer begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system.

There are several types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Coulier has a type that arises from B cells. He revealed that his cancer is “very aggressive,” but a test showed that it had not spread to his bone marrow, which improves his chances of being treated successfully.

Coulier is undergoing chemotherapy for his cancer. Other treatments for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and bone marrow transplant. 

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer, such as exposure to insect- and weed-killers. However, many people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have no known risk factors.

• Protein Diet Coke has been gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok.
• The drink is typically made by mixing a diet soft drink with a flavored protein shake.
• Health experts say the trendy beverage can help people who are searching for ways to increase their daily protein intake, but adding Diet Coke to a protein shake does not add nutritional value.
• Instead, experts recommend focusing on a balanced diet that includes natural high protein foods, especially for those who are increasing their daily protein to aid with weight loss.

Protein Diet Coke is the latest viral drink trend that’s taken over TikTok.

The beverage isn’t an official product of the Coca-Cola Company, but rather — as its name suggests — a combination of vanilla protein shake and Diet Coke.

Rebecca Gordan, an elementary school teacher from Utah, helped popularize the drink after a video she posted of herself enjoying a cup of the bubbly brew quickly went viral on TikTok.

@beccers_gordonn

Protein diet coke gets a 10/10 for me. Gotta love utah gas stations #utah #gasstation #soda #proteindietcoke #dietcoke #utahcheck #swig

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Since then, videos of people trying the beverage and sharing their twists on the recipe have racked up millions of views on social media platforms, with many singing the drink’s praises as a delicious way of meeting their daily protein goals.

But is this trendy beverage really a “healthy” way of getting more protein in your diet?

Healthline spoke with nutritionists to help break down the pros and cons of Protein Diet Coke and reveal whether the viral soda is really worth a sip or one you should skip.

What is Protein Diet Coke?

Protein Diet Coke is an offshoot of the “dirty soda” trend, which exploded in popularity in 2022.

A “dirty soda” typically consists of a base soft drink with added flavored syrups, creams, or fruit juices — such as “Pilk” (Pepsi + milk) — similar to a root beer float or an alcohol-free mocktail.

Protein Diet Coke most often includes two simple ingredients: your choice of diet soft drink mixed with a bottle of ready-made protein shake.

Is Protein Diet Coke healthy?

“I wouldn’t label Protein Diet Coke as a healthy drink, but I don’t think that it’s unhealthy either,” said Destini Moody, a certified registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching.

“I do find it a bit odd that we are mixing ready-to-drink protein in soda when we could just…drink the protein. The soda really doesn’t add anything of value considering it doesn’t have any calories and certainly doesn’t contain any additional protein or micronutrients.”

However, Moody noted that adding more protein to your diet in the form of whey protein shakes can pack a nutritious punch, especially if you’re trying to increase your daily protein intake.

She personally favors the Fairlife Core Power protein shakes, which are frequently used as a primary ingredient in many #proteindeitcoke videos posted on TikTok.

“They provide a good amount of high quality protein with all of the essential amino acids, half of your daily requirement of calcium, and can certainly go a long way in helping you stay full between meals,” said Moody.

Can Protein Diet Coke help you lose weight?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 suggest that adult males should eat at least 56 grams of protein daily, while adult females should eat at least 46 grams daily.

Research suggests, however, that eating higher amounts of protein may help you lose weight weight while retaining and building muscle mass.

Protein can help increase the body’s production of hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY, which can help you feel fuller longer.

Protein can also help reduce ghrelin (the “hunger hormone”).

Moody said that, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Protein Diet Coke may help aid with weight loss when consumed in moderation.

“Adding more protein to the diet in the form of whey protein shakes is always an excellent way to both build muscle and lose weight, so if mixing it with [diet] coke encourages more protein intake, I totally co-sign,” Moody said.

“Drinking this beverage between meals to curb cravings can help you lose weight compared to eating high calorie, carb-based snacks like chips and granola bars that leave you feeling hungry again shortly after you eat them.”

However, she stressed that it’s better to simply “drink the protein shake” without adding the additional soda.

“The Diet Coke does not add any additional benefit for either building muscle or weight loss. I’d label it as more of a flavor enhancer if anything,” she said.

Healthier ways of increasing your daily protein intake

While drinking beverages like Protein Diet Coke in moderation may help you beef up your daily protein intake, Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian and heart health expert at Entirely Nourished, said focusing on an overall healthy diet should be a higher priority.

“For sustainable muscle growth, weight loss, and overall health, it’s better to focus on a balanced meal post-exercise that ensures nutrient adequacy. This approach is more effective because it provides consistent, long-term results and fuels the body appropriately for optimal recovery,” she said.

She also noted that relying on protein shakes as meal replacements “could lead to nutritional gaps, hinder proper recovery post-workout, and potentially contribute to increased oxidative stress, which can impair muscle repair and overall recovery.”

Instead, she recommended increasing your protein intake by including more whole foods in your diet, such as:

• lean meats
• fish
• eggs
• dairy
• legumes
• nuts
• seeds

Rather than drinking a Protein Diet Coke for a protein-rich snack, Routhenstein recommends trying healthier options like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, or edamame to meet your daily protein needs.

However, if you plan to incorporate protein shakes into your diet, Moody suggests beefing them up with healthier natural ingredients.

“I love to take strawberry core power shakes and blend it with frozen strawberries, bananas, Greek yogurt (for even more protein) and chia seeds,” Moody said.

“In this example, you are getting fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and more micronutrients like calcium and Vitamin C along with the protein. You get none of that with Diet Coke.”

Takeaway

Protein Diet Coke has been gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok.

The drink is made by mixing a diet soft drink with a flavored protein shake.

Health experts say the trendy beverage can help people who are searching for ways to increase their daily protein intake, but adding Diet Coke to a protein shake does not add nutritional value.

Instead, focusing on a balanced diet that includes natural high protein foods is recommended, especially for those who are increasing their daily protein to aid with weight loss.

Secure Your Health, Save Your Money: A Guide to Choosing the Right Health Insurance in Ghana Health insurance in Ghana offers valuable financial protection, allowing residents to access essential healthcare services without the burden of overwhelming costs. As healthcare expenses continue to rise globally, having a robust health insurance plan is increasingly vital to avoid

• A large new study shows that heavy drinking habits among adults in the U.S. have persisted beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Researchers say drinking levels stabilized before the pandemic, spiked during initial lockdowns, and persisted through at least 2022, if not longer.
• Alcohol use is linked to over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions, such as heart disease and different types of cancer.
• Heavy alcohol use among adults under 50 rose by as much as 20%, with experts raising concerns over what they call a major public health issue.

Alcohol use has reached unprecedented levels despite there being no safe level of consumption.

Heavy drinking in the United States spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued after it ended, according to Keck Medicine researchers at the University of Southern California (USC).

The large nationally representative study, published November 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that alcohol use among adults ages 18 and older rose by 4% from 2018 to 2020, with heavy alcohol use increasing by a staggering 20%. Researchers say the increases were sustained in 2022. 

“These numbers reflect an alarming public health issue that could result in severe health consequences for far too many people,” said Brian P. Lee, MD, MAS, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist with Keck Medicine of USC and principal investigator of the study, said in a statement. “Our results suggest men and women under 50 are at special risk.” 

Alcohol use rising among young adults 

The population-based study included adults ages 18 and older who participated in the National Health Interview Survey from 2018 to 2022. 

The data included 24,965 respondents from 2018, 30,829 from 2020, and 26,806 from 2022.

The researchers divided respondents into two categories: having any alcohol use or heavy alcohol use within one year of the survey.

They defined heavy drinking as greater than or equal to five drinks a day or 15 drinks a week for males and greater than or equal to four drinks a day or eight drinks a week for females.  

The rise in alcohol use was seen across all age groups, genders, races, ethnicities, and regions of the U.S., except for Asian Americans and Native Americans. Adults ages 40-49 had the largest increase in heavy alcohol consumption.

The researchers did not assess what may have driven the increase but theorized the 2020 surge was linked to pandemic-related stressors that normalized heavy drinking, particularly among adults in their 40s.

“Heavy alcohol use increasing highest among young adults under 50 is something we see in the clinic and in the hospital and is showing up in the numbers,” Lee told Healthline.

“Three years ago, we showed there were increases in alcohol use,” Lee said of his prior research. “Now we’re showing that these increases are sustained. We’ve also shown that health consequences from increased alcohol use, whether it’s for liver transplants or alcohol-related mortality, have increased as well. It’s become quite clear that this has become a crisis.”

According to Lee, Americans have reached “historic highs” with their levels of alcohol consumption. “To me, that’s very concerning. We know that alcohol is a toxin. We know it has severe health consequences,” he said.

Alcohol is addictive

Alcohol use rose during the pandemic, likely due to stressors from lockdown to boredom to changes to the workplace or how children attended school, Lee noted.

“Before the pandemic, we were seeing stabilization toward a decline in heavy drinking. But the pandemic reversed that trend in very alarming ways,” he said.

For many people, alcohol is a maladaptive coping mechanism that may lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD), an addiction disorder. 

“We know that alcohol can become a habit, and even if the trigger that initially started a new habit is gone, the habit might still be there,” Lee said, offering a possible explanation as to why alcohol use has persisted.

“And we know that alcohol is addictive — it can start as a habit, and then it can become an addiction. The more ingrained and entrenched alcohol use becomes, the harder it is to stop,” he added.

Joseph R. Volpicelli MD, PhD, executive director at the Institute of Addiction Medicine, told Healthline that pandemic-era drinking persisted among adults, particularly those in their 40s, for several reasons. 

Increased stress, anxiety, and depression linked to work, parenting, reduced social interactions, and economic uncertainty may have led many people to use alcohol as a way to cope, he said.

“Habits formed during lockdowns and social isolation gave more opportunities to drink at home,” Volpicelli explained.

“Habits formed over months can become ingrained, making it hard to cut back when life returns to normal. Negative health effects from increased alcohol consumption might not show up immediately, allowing habits to continue unchecked until more serious problems arise,” he said.

Other health risks of alcohol use

Alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions, including heart disease and cancer, and is a leading preventable cause of illness and death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Alcohol use may also lead to or exacerbate mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 

Lee, who is a hepatologist, pointed out that nearly half of all liver-related deaths are tied to alcohol, with alcohol-related cirrhosis a leading cause of liver transplants.

“I think liver disease needs to be prioritized in terms of not only research but also screening and treatment for people with alcohol use,” he said.

Moderate drinkers also face potential health risks, with emerging evidence linking adverse health outcomes to moderate drinking. 

For instance, a recent study published in JAMA Network Open linked moderate alcohol consumption to a higher risk of cancer- and disease-related mortality. 

“The big picture of the health risks of alcohol should not be ignored,” David Cutler, MD, board certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told Healthline in response to the JAMA study. 

“The evidence shows that alcohol, in any amount, can be harmful. We don’t tolerate it at all in pregnant women or minors. And prudent people should give serious thought to whether any alcohol consumption is in the best interest of their overall health,” Culter said.

Addressing heavy alcohol consumption as a public health issue may require targeted campaigns to raise awareness about the risks, Volpicelli noted, and improved access to mental health services.

“Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and providing support for changing habits can help individuals reduce their drinking to pre-pandemic levels,” Volpicelli said.

Tips to reduce alcohol consumption

It’s never too late to stop drinking alcohol or cut back your consumption. Doing so could have immediate positive effects on your body, from repaired liver damage to a reduced risk of heart disease or improved brain health.

Volpicelli offered the following tips to cut back on drinking: 

• Set clear goals and be mindful of drinking behavior.
• Avoid triggers (i.e., people, places, or activities) for heavy drinking.
• Develop healthy coping strategies for stress management (i.e., yoga, meditation, exercise).
• Limit alcohol at home and stock up on non-alcoholic alternatives like sparkling water or teas.
• Choose lower-alcohol options or dilute drinks.
• Designate alcohol-free days.
• Find support, such as talking with friends or family or joining support groups.
• Seek professional help from a doctor or mental health professional.
• Consider medications like naltrexone, which can help reduce cravings.
• Develop alternatives to drinking, such as hobbies or social activities that don’t involve alcohol. 
• Reward your progress and celebrate milestones when you reach your goals.

“Cutting back on alcohol is a personal journey, and different strategies can help you achieve your goals. Medications like naltrexone may offer additional support but should be part of a comprehensive plan that includes professional guidance and lifestyle changes,” Volpicelli said.

Takeaway

New research shows that heavy alcohol use among adults in the U.S. has persisted beyond the pandemic. Heavy alcohol use rose by 20% from 2018 to 2020 and remained stable in 2022, particularly among adults in their 40s. 

Alcohol use is associated with over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. The authors of the new study hope the findings will draw more awareness to the dangers of heavy drinking.

“We encourage healthcare providers to offer more screenings for harmful drinking as well as interventions for at-risk populations,” Lee said in a statement.

• A new study found that taking vitamin D supplements was associated with lower blood pressure.
• People with obesity and high blood pressure got the best results.
• Better calcium regulation may be one of the main reasons for this effect.
• Before supplementing with vitamin D, people should get their levels tested.

According to new research published on November 12, 2024, in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, supplementation with vitamin D plus calcium may help lower blood pressure in older adults with obesity (body mass index (BMI) greater than 30).

These supplements appeared to decrease both systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).

However, they noted that more is not necessarily better when it comes to lowering blood pressure. The effect was independent of the dose administered.

The people who took part in the study had high blood pressure.

The American Heart Association states that normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.

Anything greater than a systolic blood pressure of 130 or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 is deemed to be high blood pressure.

Vitamin D supplements linked with reduced blood pressure

The study included 221 individuals ages 65 and older who were taking vitamin D supplements.

They were all classified as having overweight (BMI greater than 25).

Additionally, they had a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level between 10 and 30 ng/mL. Anything below 30 ng/mL is considered insufficient, while values less than 20 are classified as vitamin D deficiency.

Two doses were examined: 600 IU/day (the Institutes of Medicine’s (IOM) recommended daily dose) and 3,750 IU/day. Both groups also took 250 mg of calcium citrate.

The study participants were followed for one year.

Upon comparing the two groups, they found that the higher dose of vitamin D did not provide greater benefit than the lower one.

However, both groups experienced a statistically significant drop in blood pressure, with their systolic blood pressure dropping by 3.5 mm Hg and their diastolic blood pressure dropping by 2.8 mm Hg.

The research further found that people with obesity and low vitamin D status improved their blood pressure the most.

Why vitamin D might affect blood pressure

Reimas Geiga, MD, a medical doctor, registered dietitian, and clinical nutritionist with Glowbar LDN, explained that vitamin D can affect blood pressure in several ways.

“One of the primary ways is by aiding in calcium regulation,” he said, “which is crucial for the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. By improving vascular function, vitamin D could help reduce blood pressure.”

Additionally, in those with obesity, there is chronic, low-grade inflammation, said Geiga. This can impair blood vessel health, contributing to high blood pressure.

“Vitamin D has known anti-inflammatory properties that may help counteract this effect,” he explained. “Moreover, people with obesity are more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency because fat cells can store vitamin D, reducing its availability to the body.”

According to Geiga, supplementation back to adequate levels can help improve vascular health and lower blood pressure.

“Additionally, vitamin D influences the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a key regulator of blood pressure,” he said. “Adequate vitamin D levels may reduce the activity of this system, leading to better blood pressure control.”

Are vitamin D supplements right for you?

Given that vitamin D is easy to obtain, patients may wonder how they can apply the study’s findings to their own lives.

Dr. Rita Hawle, a clinical dietitian and nutritionist with ClinicSpots, says the first step is determining whether you are actually low in vitamin D.

“A simple blood test can reveal any deficiency that may be contributing to blood pressure issues,” she said. “If levels are low, supplements or a bit of natural sunlight exposure (when safe) can help improve vitamin D status over time.”

However, she added that vitamin D supplementation really needs to be a part of a larger strategy.

“Blood pressure responds well to a combined approach—regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and effective weight management are all important for long-term benefits,” said Hawle.

Additionally, while the study looked at supplementation with 600 IU and 3,750 IU doses, she advises speaking with your physician about what is an appropriate dose for you. 

Vitamin D can accumulate in the human body, leading to a toxic build-up of calcium.

“This study provides encouraging insights,” Hawle concluded, “but it’s best to view vitamin D as part of a larger wellness plan, particularly for individuals managing both obesity and high blood pressure.”

Takeaway

A new study reports that older people with high blood pressure who were taking a vitamin D supplement along with calcium had lower blood pressure after a year.

The best results were experienced by people with obesity and lower initial levels of vitamin D at the start of the study.

Improved calcium regulation, lower inflammation, and reduced activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system could account for the reduction in blood pressure.

Experts recommend getting a blood test to determine if you are actually low in vitamin D and following your doctor’s advice regarding the dose you take before supplementing with it.

Supplementation should be part of a combined approach that includes a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management.

• A new study suggests semaglutide use may help reduce severe knee pain.
• People also lost weight during the course of the study.
• The reduction in pain likely occurred because weight loss leads to less joint stress.
• Semaglutide is also capable of balancing blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
• Experts say we are likely to see continued advances with drugs like semaglutide.

While semaglutide (sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) is best known as a drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, research is increasingly finding that it may have applications outside of these uses.

For example, recent studies have found it could help reduce the risk of opioid overdose, early death, hidradenitis suppurativa, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Now, new research published on October 30, 2024, in The New England Journal of Medicine adds to the list, finding that once-weekly semaglutide usage was associated with relief from the severe knee pain associated with obesity and osteoarthritis.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” condition. It can cause:

• cartilage breakdown
• misshapen bones
• chronic pain
• inflammation
• stiffness
• loss of mobility

Obesity is one cause of osteoarthritis due to the strain that added weight put on joints, especially the knees, hips, and the spine.

How semaglutide use is linked to knee pain relief

The study enrolled 407 patients with an average age of 56 to evaluate the effects of semaglutide use on knee pain.

Their average body mass index (BMI) was 40.3. A BMI of 30 or greater is classified as obesity.

Additionally, these individuals had an average WOMAC pain score of 70.9 on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores meaning worse pain.

All were diagnosed with moderate to severe knee pain.

The majority of study participants (81.6%) were female.

Everyone, regardless of whether they received semaglutide or not, was provided with counseling on diet and exercise.

Over the course of the 68-week study, people using semaglutide lost an average of 13.7% of their body weight compared with only 3.2% weight loss in those who did not use the drug.

Those using semaglutide also experienced an average reduction in their WOMAC pain score of 41.7 points, whereas the untreated group had an average decrease of 27.5 points.

Why semaglutide might provide relief for severe knee pain

Sandeep Singh, MS, MBBS, an orthopedic surgeon with Clinic Spots, said the biggest reason that Ozempic might provide pain relief really comes down to weight reduction.

“In osteoarthritis, every pound of weight lost takes about four pounds of pressure off the knee joints,” he explained. “So, the study’s average 13.7% weight loss likely brings considerable relief to the joints just from reducing that mechanical load.”

However, according to Singh, there may be more at play. The medication could have certain direct effects on relieving pain.

“We’re starting to see that GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, may have anti-inflammatory effects,” he said, “which could help with knee pain beyond weight loss alone.”

Singh said that inflammation is a major factor in osteoarthritis which can lead to joint pain and deterioration.

“Even a slight reduction in inflammation can lead to a noticeable improvement in pain and stiffness,” he said.

Singh also pointed to semaglutide’s ability to stabilize blood sugar, which can bring down inflammation.

“This mix of lowered inflammation, reduced joint pressure, and better blood sugar control could potentially work together to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms,” he said.

How weight loss drugs may help improve future overall health

William Seeds, MD, a board certified orthopedic surgeon and the owner of Redox Medical Group, was enthusiastic about the findings of the study.

“This continues to be exciting evidence in the areas outside of weight loss that benefit improved quality of life issues and have profound effects on reducing healthcare dollars in the future second to the devastating effects of Osteoarthritis on the healthcare system,” he said.

Seeds added that he believes we are going to see continued advances in drugs like semaglutide.

“My belief is as we get better at improving the overall efficiencies of cellular mitochondrial function with continued advances in GLP1RAs we will be humbled by the continued beneficial signaling pathways that improve overall health,” he said.

Seeds further noted that we are seeing advancement in GLP-1 receptor agonists going from semaglutide (binds with GLP-1 receptors) to tirzepatide (binds with GLP-1 and GIP receptors) to retatrutide (binds with GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors).

“The evolution from GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide) to dual (tirzepatide) and triple agonist (retatrutide) represents a significant progression in enhanced cellular efficiencies, optimizing metabolic responses and therapeutic outcomes,” he said.

“These are exciting times in peptide development and clinical translation to life changing results!”

Takeaway

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that using the type 2 diabetes and weight loss drug semaglutide was linked with improved pain scores in those with osteoarthritis, a painful and degenerative condition affecting the joints.

The weight loss engendered by this medication reduces the strain on joints.

Additionally, semaglutide helps to balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation. The sum of these effects is likely what reduces osteoarthritis pain in the knee.

Experts say we are likely to see continued beneficial effects from drugs like semaglutide due to the ways GLP-1 drugs impact signaling pathways.