Obesity may be a contributing factor in over 10% of infection-related deaths, according to a new study analyzing data from nearly 550,000 adults in Finland and the U.K. over a 14-year period. The research revealed that obese patients were 70% more likely to be hospitalized with or die from an infection, as reported by Fox News.
The study, which defined obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, found that the average age of Finnish patients was 42, while the average age of U.K. patients was 57. The findings highlight a significant health risk associated with obesity, potentially impacting a substantial number of individuals.
In other news, the world's largest social media companies are facing scrutiny in a landmark trial in California, where they have been accused of creating "addiction machines." According to BBC Technology, the trial, which began with opening arguments, examines the mental health effects of Instagram and YouTube. Mark Lanier, representing the plaintiff, "K.G.M.," argued that her mental health issues stemmed from her social media addiction, claiming the companies intentionally designed their platforms to be addictive.
Meanwhile, the Co-op, a 180-year-old member-owned food and services group, is facing complaints of a "toxic culture" at the executive level. A letter to Co-op board members, seen by the BBC Business, details "fear and alienation" among senior staff who feel hesitant to voice concerns about the company's direction. Several sources also reported that a culture discouraging challenges has led to poor decisions, resulting in declining morale, abrupt departures, and a "sharp drop in profits."
In the realm of economics, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects worsening long-term United States federal deficits and rising debt over the next decade. Al Jazeera reported that the fiscal outlook, released on Wednesday, is driven by increased spending, particularly on Social Security, Medicare, and debt service payments. Compared to the CBO's analysis from the previous year, the fiscal outlook has modestly deteriorated.
Finally, food fraud continues to be a persistent issue, even with advancements in technology. BBC Technology reported that food crime is largely underreported, making it difficult to grasp its full scale. Fraudsters often target commonly consumed foods like dairy and high-value items such as olive oil. Honey is frequently among the most common foods that are faked, with plant-based syrups often used as cheaper substitutes.
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