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We don’t know much about the tiny pieces of plastic, called microplastics, that have been detected in the human body, but we know they’re there—and growing evidence suggests they may negatively impact our health. At least one product on the market estimates the number and size of microplastic particles you carry, using an at-home blood and saliva test. When health columnist Sumathi Reddy tried it out, she got few answers.
Our Health newsletter is getting a makeover. Next week, we’ll bring you the first edition of WSJ Wellness, a weekly look inside the business and culture of wellness—and how it affects you—written by reporter Sara Ashley O’Brien. If you’re reading this in your inbox, hit reply to let us know what you think.
How Much Do You Know About Life Expectancies?
We all know that life is finite. But some people live far longer than others, and it isn’t always clear why longevity varies from person to person. How much do you know about longevity? Take our quiz to test your knowledge.
Ozempic Is Dulling Tastes. He Has Spices for That.
How Americans eat is being transformed by GLP-1 medications. Users of the drugs have reported duller senses of taste, less pleasure from eating and related side effects around flavor—phenomena characterized by some as “Ozempic tongue.” Chef and spice master Lior Lev Sercarz has some ideas.
In the News
Biotechs are racing to turn a toad poison into a commercially available treatment for severe mental health disorders, like depression, anxiety and PTSD. 🎥 Watch the Journal’s inside look at how the psychedelic is being used at unregulated clinics, and why companies are betting that it could soon turn into a billion-dollar blockbuster drug.
The FDA approved a first-of-its-kind pill that’s designed to help lower cholesterol levels beyond what statins alone can achieve. Studies showed that Merck’s once-daily pill reduced bad, or LDL, cholesterol levels by up to 60% over six months in adults with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss pill is pulling way ahead of Eli Lilly’s. Lilly’s Foundayo has captured about 11% of the prescription volume for new pills since it hit the market in April, according to the latest weekly data. Novo’s Wegovy pill, which launched in January, commands the rest.
Quoteworthy
Beyond WSJ
To get more from your run, try this training strategy. (New York Times)The explosive-diarrhea outbreak isn’t the only thing spreading across the U.S. So is anxiety about getting hit with the parasite. (Wired)Improving your sense of smell could save your brain. (Washington Post)
About Us
The Health newsletter is your weekly guide to all the news that affects your health and well-being. This edition was curated and edited by Leigh Kamping-Carder. Send her feedback or questions at [email protected] (if you’re reading this in your inbox, you can just hit reply). Got a tip for us? Here’s how to submit.