FDAReview.org

A new year often begins with new year’s resolutions (and hangovers). According to a survey performed by Statista, two of the most common resolutions Americans made this year are to lose weight and eat healthier. The two are usually related. Unfortunately, most resolutions don’t become new habits. But this year, the Food and Drug Administration is here to help. 

As President-elect Trump prepares to return to the White House this January, many continue to question his choices for key cabinet positions. Perhaps his most controversial appointment so far is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (commonly referred to as RFK) as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. And a recent vaccine-related controversy is not helping. 

Last November, the New York Times asked, “What is Ozempic, and why is it getting so much attention?” Five months later, it answered its own question with the headline, “This is what a miracle drug looks like.”

To the surprise of many, Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election handedly. Even more are surprised by his rapid—and sometimes head-scratching—nominations ahead of taking office again.

Fall brings us pumpkin spice, college football, and seasonal illness. Although RSV and flu cases are increasing regionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others believe the worst of “flu season” is behind us. 

An article featured in Annals of Internal Medicine highlights an ongoing effort by the Food and Drug Administration to bring more nicotine replacement therapies (often called NRTs) to market. Although rates have plummeted over the past several decades, smoking remains one of the most common causes of preventable death in the U.S. 

Millions of Americans have turned to weight-loss injections to help them lose weight and live healthier lives. As of May 2024, about 25,000 people have begun using Wegovy (the most common injectable weight loss treatment) each week. Similar treatments are being used off-label to help adolescents lose weight. The New York Times reports Wegovy may soon be used to treat addiction. 

After an alarmingly bad debate performance and widespread pressure to drop out, President Biden formally announced he would not pursue a second term. Shortly after his announcement, the President endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and many joined him. 

California-based company Diamond Shruumz was once one of the premier providers of microdosing products in the US. Providing “artisanal chocolates… designed for creative souls,” Diamond Shruumz offered chocolate bars, ice cream cones, gummies, and other sweets with trace amounts of psilocybin- the psychedelic found in magic mushrooms. 

Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars come in various popular flavors, including dark chocolate, cookies and cream, fruity cereal, and birthday cake. Each bar costs about $25—and contains trace amounts of magic mushrooms.