Health Disparity

INDIANAPOLIS — Emphasizing the importance of routine eye exams is one way optometrists can combat disparities in cataract surgery outcomes, according to research presented at Academy 2024.

The prevalence of obesity in the U.S. more than doubled from 1990 to 2021, and the number of Americans with obesity could reach 260 million by 2050 if trends do not change, researchers reported in The Lancet.

From 1990 to 2022, diabetes prevalence rose greatly, but for the most part, treatment did not increase at all or sufficiently, especially in low- and middle-income countries, researchers reported in The Lancet.

Later age at natural menopause may be a risk factor for asthma, potentially due to prolonged estrogen exposure, data from a longitudinal study show.

SAN ANTONIO — Redevelopment of low-income minority communities may help to reduce obesity disparities in this patient population, according to findings presented at ObesityWeek.

SAN ANTONIO — Due to structural barriers such as low income and inadequate insurance coverage, Black and Hispanic adults were more likely to ration prescription drugs to save money, researchers reported.

Regardless of sex, high- vs. moderate-intensive exercise may better reduce ghrelin levels, but its effect on hunger perceptions may differ between men and women, according to results published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

SAN ANTONIO — In this Healio video exclusive from ObesityWeek, Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA, MBA, MACP, FAAP, FAHA, FTOS, discusses equitable access to obesity care and treatments in the U.S.

ASH has named four new members to its executive committee beginning immediately after the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting.

DENVER — In this Healio video exclusive, Maria Rodriguez, MD, MPH, discusses how access to contraceptive care is directly tied to maternal morbidity and mortality as well as other reproductive health outcomes.