News from NYU Langone Health
This dangerous condition can sneak up on you — how GLP-1 drugs can help
New York Post
Michael A. Weintraub, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, the Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at NYU Langone Health, discusses prediabetes, a condition affecting over one-third of US adults. He explains that prediabetes often has no symptoms and is linked to weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the risk for heart attacks and strokes. While lifestyle interventions involving diet and exercise can reverse the condition, GLP-1 medications can also help by reducing appetite and lowering blood sugar. He concludes that NYU Langone Health supports patients with these advances.
1/19/2026
CNN
Tim Andrews, one of the first recipients of a genetically modified pig kidney, has now successfully received a human kidney, demonstrating xenotransplantation's potential as a bridge therapy. Commenting on the development, Robert Montgomery, MD, DPhil, chair of the Department of Surgery and director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, stated that as the technology improves, xenografts will become a destination therapy. Dr. Montgomery, who is leading the first FDA-cleared clinical trial in xenotransplantation at NYU Langone Health, believes the procedure will be a viable solution for patients within five years.
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1/16/2026
7 Things All Women Should Know About Their Heart Health
The New York Times
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet it is often overlooked and understudied. The article highlights that women have different risk factors, such as complications during pregnancy. Anais Hausvater, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, and co-director of the Cardio-Obstetrics Program at NYU Langone Health, notes that patients may not report issues like pre-eclampsia from a past pregnancy, and doctors often fail to ask. The piece also covers how heart attack symptoms can present differently in women, including nausea and jaw pain, and discusses research gaps in women's cardiovascular health.
1/19/2026
What’s the Relationship and the Risk?
Medscape
A meta-analysis found that caffeine's link to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex, potentially increasing ulcerative colitis risk in the Americas and adolescents while decreasing it elsewhere. Commenting on the findings, Adam Faye, MD, director of clinical research at NYU Langone Health’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center and assistant professor of medicine and population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, found the results not particularly robust. He noted challenges in isolating caffeine's effects from other lifestyle factors and pointed to methodological concerns in the studies reviewed. He suggested that future research should focus on disentangling caffeine from coffee consumption.
1/16/2026
Combing Through Early Data to Combat the Rise in Early-onset Cancers
American Association for Cancer Research
At a special conference of the American Association for Cancer Research, experts discussed the rise in early-onset cancers. Leonardo Trasande, MD, the Jim G. Hendrick, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics in NYU Langone's Department of Pediatrics, and director of the Division of Environmental Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, presented on the health effects of plastics. He noted that hazard data is missing for about 10,000 compounds used in plastic production. He warned that hormonally active chemicals in plastic are 'obesogens' associated with adiposity, a known risk factor for 13 cancers, and called for expanded research.
1/16/2026
Is Addressing Lifestyle in Psychiatry a Professional Obligation?
Psychiatric Times
In a special report, Gia Merlo, MD, MBA, clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explores whether incorporating lifestyle interventions into patient care is a professional obligation for psychiatrists. The article discusses the growing evidence for lifestyle psychiatry in treating psychiatric disorders and enhancing well-being. It questions if lifestyle should be formally added to the biopsychosocial model of care. The report highlights strong evidence for physical activity in treating depression, citing a recent meta-analysis finding it as effective as, or superior to, some common antidepressants.
1/16/2026
How The Food You Eat When You Travel Affects Your Gut Health
Forbes
When traveling, changes in diet can affect the immune system and reshape gut bacteria. Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, FACE, clinical professor of medicine in the Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at NYU Langone Health, warns that traveler's diarrhea can cause significant disruption, and resistant bacteria may persist for weeks after returning home. She notes that while people often consume more processed foods on vacation, the effects on the gut are largely reversible upon resuming normal eating patterns. Other experts advise avoiding raw foods and tap water to prevent food poisoning and planning meals to maintain a healthy microbiome.
1/16/2026
How Weight Loss Pills Have Changed — and What That Means for Safety
Everyday Health
A review of weight loss medications highlights the evolution from older drugs with dangerous side effects to newer, safer options approved in the last decade. Melanie Jay, MD, associate professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of the NYU Langone Comprehensive Program on Obesity, notes that it is an exciting time for obesity medicine with several effective treatments available. She advises patients to consult their physician to select an initial medication, adding that it is common to switch or add a second or third drug.
Also reporting was: MSN
1/16/2026
These 10 hobbies have been proven to protect your brain as you age
WNBC-TV (New York, NY)
A growing body of research suggests hobbies can support mental health and protect against cognitive decline. Wendy Suzuki, PhD, professor of neural science and psychology at New York University, notes that meditation and dancing can reduce stress and strengthen the prefrontal cortex. The article also quotes Margaret E. Rice, PhD, vice chair of research in the Department of Neurosurgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, who states that word and number games strengthen cognitive flexibility, memory, and reasoning. Other recommended hobbies include walking, learning a language, puzzles, playing an instrument, knitting, creating art, and reading.
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1/19/2026
Will Malik Nabers be back in time for Week 1? | The Injury Report
New York Post
Daniel J. Kaplan, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, joins 'The Injury Report' to discuss the recovery process from a torn ACL. He provides expert analysis on the progression of Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers' injury and what the rehabilitation timeline typically involves for such an injury, addressing whether he might be ready for Week 1.
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1/16/2026
13 Foods That Are Better for You Than a Protein Shake, According to Dietitians
TODAY
Protein powders are ultra-processed and lack the vitamins and minerals found in whole foods, according to Collin Popp, PhD, dietitian and assistant professor in NYU Langone's Department of Population Health. He notes that while shakes can be part of a healthy diet, they should not be the primary source of protein and are not a meal replacement. Dr. Popp recommends protein shakes only for individuals who have difficulty meeting their protein requirements through food alone. The article lists 13 high-protein whole foods as better alternatives for supporting muscle growth and overall health.
1/16/2026
CBS News
The article details the case of a woman who received a rare intestinal transplant at the Cleveland Clinic after a car crash. Providing expert commentary, Adam Griesemer, MD, associate professor in the Department of Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and surgical director of Living Donor Liver Transplant Program and Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, explained that such transplants are uncommon, with only about 100 performed annually in the US. He noted they have the worst outcomes of any transplant type and are generally only recommended for patients dependent on IV nutrition, due to significant risks of rejection and infection.
Also reporting was: MSN, Aol, Yahoo
1/17/2026
The real reason for nail-biting and other 'bad habits,' according to psychologists
Fox News
A new psychology book posits that bad habits like nail-biting are survival strategies the brain uses to prioritize predictable safety over happiness. Commenting on the book's thesis, Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor and director of Wellness Programs in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, notes that while self-sabotaging behaviors can be attempts to control discomfort, the book's claims are more interpretive than scientific. Gallagher adds that external factors can also shape these behaviors and advises people to focus on long-term gain rather than reacting to momentary distress.
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1/18/2026
Opinion | Transplantation Needs a Dedicated Federal Bureau
MedPage Today
In an opinion piece, Macey L. Levan, JD, PhD, associate professor of Surgery and Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and director of the Center for Surgical and Transplant Applied Research, Qualitative Core, at NYU Langone Health, argues for establishing a dedicated federal bureau for organ transplantation. Levan contends the current federal framework, managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration, has failed to evolve and lacks transparency. The author proposes creating a standalone Center for Organ Transplantation to provide necessary organizational focus, improve stakeholder input, and facilitate collaboration with CMS and the FDA.
1/18/2026
DR MARC SIEGEL: GLP-1 weight loss drugs aren’t miracles - and treating them like gods is dangerous
Fox News
In an opinion piece, Marc K Siegel, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, argues that while GLP-1 weight loss drugs are valuable tools, they should not be treated as miracle cures. He acknowledges their benefits in reducing hunger and improving cardiac function but emphasizes they do not replace healthy lifestyle choices like exercise and proper nutrition. Dr. Siegel warns against replacing food addiction with drug dependence and cautions that over-reliance can lead to patients seeking dangerous counterfeit versions. He advocates for a more fundamental approach to achieve long-term health.
1/17/2026
