The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology recently published a proposal by 58 global experts advocating for a significant overhaul of how obesity is diagnosed and treated. The proposal suggests replacing or augmenting BMI with more precise measurements like body fat percentage or waist circumference and introduces two obesity categories: clinical obesity, involving health impairments, and preclinical obesity, denoting risk without current health issues. Backed by 76 medical organizations, the framework emphasizes personalized care and aims to reframe obesity as a nuanced condition rather than a one-size-fits-all disease. Critics, however, caution against overreliance on simplistic metrics and argue for greater focus on…
Author: Abhay Panchal
A new study published in JAMA Network Open cautions that prioritizing blood-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests over stool-based tests in federally qualified health care centers (FQHCs) may lead to higher costs and worse outcomes. Using a microsimulation model to evaluate a simulated population with low adherence to screening steps, the researchers found that annual fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) was the most effective and cost-efficient strategy, delivering significantly more life-years gained than triennial blood tests, even with improved adherence to blood testing.
Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer for the American Cancer Society, emphasizes the importance of “Food is Medicine” interventions to combat this trend and improve patient outcomes. With a rich background in oncology and patient care innovation, Dr. Kamal advocates for preventive strategies that address diet as a critical factor in reducing colon cancer risk.
Guardant Health and ConcertAI have partnered to create a first-of-its-kind multi-modal real-world data (RWD) solution, integrating comprehensive patient EMR data with genomic and epigenomic tumor profiling. By combining Guardant’s liquid biopsy technology with ConcertAI’s AI-driven analytics, the collaboration aims to provide biopharma companies with deeper insights into cancer biology, resistance mechanisms, and tumor evolution across the cancer care continuum. This innovative approach includes unique methylation data from Guardant’s platform and is expected to enhance cancer therapy development, clinical trial design, and precision medicine strategies. Financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed.
AGA’s latest clinical practice update outlines what to do with nonampullary duodenal lesions. These polyps are found in up to 5% of all upper endoscopies, usually in asymptomatic patients. Although most are benign, adenomas are estimated to account for 10%–20% of these lesions. AGA’s CPU provides practical guidance on evaluating and risk-stratifying patients with nonampullary duodenal polyps and the best approaches for resection, surveillance, and managing complications.
Gastro Girl, Inc., a leader in digestive health education, has launched the Ask Gastro Girl App, an AI-powered digestive health coach offering evidence-based guidance and tools like health tracking, meal planning, and wellness tips tailored to individual needs. Designed to combat misinformation and enhance patient confidence, the app bridges gaps in healthcare by providing 24/7 support. HIPAA-compliant and developed with input from top GI clinicians, the app aims to complement professional care, empowering patients to manage their digestive health proactively. Available now on major app platforms, it redefines patient support in gastroenterology.
A joint report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlights the “new and unique risks” posed by private equity (PE) in healthcare, including rising costs, staffing cuts, and diminished care quality. After a year-long investigation, which included analyzing over 2,000 stakeholder comments, the report identifies PE-backed consolidation through “roll-ups” as a major concern, with firms acquiring smaller entities to avoid regulatory thresholds. The agencies cited examples of PE’s growing footprint in emergency rooms and mental health facilities and noted that PE-backed healthcare firms represented 21% of bankruptcies in…
The landscape for gastroenterologists is rapidly shifting due to rising practice costs, declining reimbursements, and increased consolidation in healthcare. Independent, Medicare-billing gastroenterologists decreased by 58% from 2019 to 2022, as average GI reimbursements dropped 33% (adjusted for inflation) between 2007 and 2022. CMS’ finalized 2025 conversion factor decrease of 2.83% compounds these challenges, with experts warning of severe impacts on rural and underserved areas. While private practice remains attractive for its higher median compensation (15% increase vs. 4% in employed settings), its sustainability is threatened by increasing operational burdens and declining autonomy. Will private practice endure, or is its dominance…
Trellus Health, a digital health solutions provider specializing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has announced a collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc. This partnership aims to enhance care for IBD patients in the United States by integrating Trellus Health’s platform, Trellus Elevate™, into patient support programs for those prescribed a Johnson & Johnson therapy.The one-year pilot program will provide patients with access to Trellus Elevate™, a platform designed to offer a holistic approach to patient care by combining data analytics with resilience-driven health programs. This initiative seeks to address both the psychological and physiological aspects of IBD,…
In 2024, major drug approvals in gastroenterology and hepatology included FDA and EMA authorizations of biosimilars to Stelara and Humira for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, enhancing treatment options for both adult and pediatric patients. Additionally, the FDA approved Hercessi, a biosimilar to Herceptin, for treating HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric and gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma. These advancements signify strides in expanding therapeutic accessibility and personalized care. Could this trend mark the beginning of a transformative era in GI and hepatology treatments?