News from NYU Langone Health
GLP-1 prescriptions for people with no medical need are climbing *
The New York Times
A new study led by Babak Orandi, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Departments of Surgery and Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, reveals that over 1.1 million U.S. adults are taking GLP-1 medications without a documented medical need like obesity or diabetes. Published in the journal *Obesity*, the analysis found that these off-label prescriptions increased 15-fold between 2021 and 2025. Orandi, the study's lead author, suggests that positive public anecdotes likely drive curiosity and use. Experts express concern about the unknown risks for people without obesity, as they were excluded from clinical trials, with potential side effects like malnutrition and muscle loss.
Also reporting was: The Seatle Times
9/22/2026
The Optimized Man wanted data—and got a doctor’s appointment
Men's Health
Caren Behar, MD, an internist, codirector of NYU Langone Health’s Mignone Women’s Health Collaborative, and medical director of the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health, emphasizes the importance of monitoring blood pressure over popular fitness tracking trends. In a recent essay discussing personal health metrics, Dr. Behar advised that people should invest in a reliable blood pressure monitor rather than wasting time with bathroom scales. Because hypertension typically presents no symptoms, tracking blood pressure is critical to assessing vascular strain, preventing undetected damage to blood vessels, and reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
9/13/2026
Giants QB Jaxson Dart could be out for season after knee injury
FOX 5
Michael J. Alaia, MD, sports orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Health, discusses the knee injury update for New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, who could be out for the season. While initial coach reports suggested a standard MCL sprain, a subsequent MRI revealed that the injury likely requires surgery. Dr. Alaia notes that the scan may have uncovered an unexpected or higher-grade MCL tear where the ligament has pulled away from the bone, requiring surgical intervention. He adds that other potential complications could involve the cruciate ligaments, meniscus, cartilage, or a loose body.
9/22/2026
Bears fans concerned over Caleb Williams' injury
Telemundo Chicago
Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, MD, a sports orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Health, discussed the hamstring injury sustained by Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, warning against the dangers of a premature return to the field. Dr. Gonzalez-Lomas noted that while initial reports suggest a relatively low-grade injury requiring only a few weeks of recovery, the primary concern is avoiding a relapse. He explained that reinjuring the hamstring upon an early return can lead to a more severe setback, keeping the player sidelined for a much longer period.
9/23/2026
Yankees reveal Aaron Judge calf strain grade, what’s next
NJ.com
New York Yankees player Aaron Judge has a moderate Grade 2 calf strain, which could sideline him for the season. Spencer Stein, MD, a sports orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Health, commented that a moderate strain is a partial tear that typically takes six to eight weeks for recovery. This timeline makes Judge's participation in the playoffs doubtful. Judge received a platelet-poor plasma injection to aid his recovery, but the team is planning for his absence during the upcoming Wild Card Series.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Sports
9/22/2026
ClutchPoints
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner is facing criticism for suggesting Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels play through an elbow injury, which medical professionals have contradicted. Laith Jazrawi, MD, sports orthopedic surgeon, chief of sports medicine and director of the sports medicine fellowship program at NYU Langone Health, stated that since the injury has occurred twice, there is a higher chance it will happen again when he falls. Dr. Jazrawi added that, pending MRI results, there will likely be further discussion about surgically stabilizing the joint. Other surgeons commented that the recurrence is unusual, suggesting the ligaments might not have healed correctly initially.
Also reporting was: Yardbarker, Yahoo Sports, MSN
9/22/2026
Should Jayden Daniels get surgery on his left elbow? 7News Sports asked an expert
WJLA-TV (Arlington, VA)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is considering surgery after dislocating his elbow for a second time. In an interview, Daniel Kaplan, MD, a sports orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Health, commented on the situation. He explained that while a non-surgical approach might be possible if ligament tests are perfect, the threshold for recommending surgery is much lower after a reinjury. Daniels will not play in the team's upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks.
9/22/2026
Orthopedic surgeon discusses Commanders QB Jayden Daniels' options
Yahoo Sports
Michael Alaia, MD, a sports orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Health, offered expert opinion on options for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who recently experienced a second dislocation of his left elbow. Alaia stated that while a single dislocation is often treated non-surgically, a recurrence raises concern that the injury may continue to happen if not stabilized. He noted that treatment decisions depend on MRI results, which show potential ligament or cartilage damage, and involve detailed conversations between the player and medical staff about surgical and non-surgical pathways.
9/22/2026
New York Post
A growing number of women are using unregulated, 'gray market' peptides to manage menopausal symptoms, sourcing them online with little medical oversight. The article details the experiences of several women who report benefits but also acknowledge risks like dosing errors and adverse reactions. Commenting on the trend, Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health, stated that many menopausal symptoms are undertreated. This leads patients to seek alternative pathways for treatment based on information they find online, highlighting a broader frustration among this patient population.
9/22/2026
Who should get a blood test for Alzheimer's disease?
TIME
The US Food and Drug Administration has cleared four blood tests to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease, making diagnosis more accessible. The newest tests include C2N's PrecivityAD2 and Roche's Elecsys ptau217 plasma test. Commenting on the new diagnostics, Thomas Wisniewski, MD, professor of neurology, pathology and psychiatry and director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at NYU Langone Health, called the ptau217 test the most useful due to its high sensitivity. He added that the blood tests provide information about risk and are intended for evaluating individuals who are already exhibiting cognitive symptoms.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health, UK Head Topics
9/22/2026
NYU Langone researchers use AI to predict breast cancer risk
Washington Square News
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have developed an artificial intelligence tool, NYU-DRP, that predicts five-year breast cancer risk with 67% accuracy using 3D X-ray imaging. A study detailed how the model was trained on over 300,000 mammograms and proved more accurate than the standard Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment. Yiqiu Shen, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Radiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted the AI identifies risk factors beyond breast density. The team is now testing if the model can be generalized to other patient populations before wider expansion.
9/22/2026
The San Diego Union-Tribune
An article examines how Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms evolve throughout a person's life, noting that hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are more common in young children, while inattentive symptoms become more prevalent with age. According to Deepti Anbarasan, MD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, hyperactivity in adults may manifest as inner restlessness rather than physical restlessness. She adds that adults with inattentive symptoms might struggle with life logistics. The piece also notes that environment, coping strategies, and brain development influence these changes over time.
9/22/2026
Surveillance colonoscopy at five years after adenoma removal noninferior to three years
HealthDay
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that for patients with high-risk adenomas, surveillance colonoscopy at five years is noninferior to three years after polyp removal. In an accompanying editorial, Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine and director of outcomes research in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, wrote that surveillance policy must be based on evidence of patient benefits rather than habit. The study's interim analysis showed a five-year cumulative colorectal cancer incidence of 0.77% in the five-year group and 0.82% in the three-year group, meeting the noninferiority criterion.
9/22/2026
How are overdoses and cardiac arrest related? Questions emerge after Presley Gerber's death
USA Today
Following the death of Presley Gerber, questions have arisen about the connection between drug overdoses and cardiac arrest. Law enforcement responded to calls for both a cardiac arrest and a suspected overdose. While irregular heart rhythms cause most sudden cardiac arrests, recreational drugs like opioids can also induce them by causing oxygen deficiency. According to NYU Grossman School of Medicine, most individuals who experience cardiac arrest do not survive, and survivors face risks of neurological, physical, and psychological health changes. The American Heart Association notes that opioid use is a significant cause of cardiac arrest in the US.
9/22/2026
144 US hospitals with 5+ Magnet designations
Becker's Hospital Review
A total of 144 US hospitals have earned the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet designation five or more times, which is the ANCC's highest honor for nursing excellence. NYU Langone Hospitals in New York City is included on the list, having achieved the designation five times. Magnet-recognized facilities represent about 10.8% of all US hospitals. Other local institutions listed include the Hospital for Special Surgery with six designations and The Mount Sinai Hospital with five.
9/22/2026
Why all the runners аre eating baking soda now
GQ
Endurance athletes are increasingly using sodium bicarbonate, or bicarb, to gain a competitive edge by buffering acid buildup during intense exercise. The main historical challenge has been gastrointestinal distress. Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, MD, a sports orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Health, explains this occurs when bicarb reacts with stomach acid. He adds that bicarb works by keeping cells at an optimal pH for longer and may also reduce an athlete's perception of pain, allowing them to exert more effort. New delivery systems aim to bypass the stomach to mitigate these side effects.
Also reporting was: MSN
9/22/2026
Cedars-Sinai's HIV-positive organ program gives L.A. man a new liver, new life
Hoodline
Cedars-Sinai has initiated a program to transplant organs from deceased HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients, recently performing a liver transplant on a 71-year-old man. This development follows the 2013 HIV Organ Policy Equity Act, which permitted research into such procedures. The article also notes that on 21 March 2026, NYU Langone Health performed the world's first HIV-positive-to-HIV-positive lung transplant. The Cedars-Sinai program aims to reduce wait times for organs for this patient population.
9/22/2026
The best online semaglutide programs (2026): MD approved
Fortune
An article evaluates seven telehealth programs that provide GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, assessing them based on costs, insurance acceptance, and quality of care. The piece features commentary from Holly Lofton, MD, obesity medicine specialist and director of the medical weight management program at NYU Langone Health. She advises that patients should disclose their full personal and family medical history to their doctor before starting these medications. Dr. Lofton also emphasizes that these prescriptions should be paired with lifestyle recommendations and follow-up care to manage potential side effects and dosing for optimal results.
9/22/2026
Popular weight-loss drugs face numerous lawsuits over rare ‘eye stroke' linked to vision loss
Fox News
Hundreds of consumers are suing Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleging that popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs increase the risk of a rare condition known as 'eye stroke,' or nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause permanent vision loss. Douglas Lazzaro, MD, a professor of ophthalmology and vice chair of Clinical Affairs and Business Development at NYU Langone Health, noted that NAION has no treatment and can result in profound vision loss. He stated that while research suggests a slightly increased risk, the health benefits of the medications likely outweigh the risks for patients who do not have a pre-existing 'disc at risk.'
Also reporting was: Yahoo Entertainment
9/22/2026
Rehovot medtech startup UltraSight raises $24 million to expand AI-powered cardiac imaging
Virtual Jerusalem
Israeli medtech startup UltraSight raised $24 million in a Series C funding round to expand the U.S. commercial rollout of its AI-powered cardiac imaging platform. This technology offers real-time guidance for ultrasound devices, allowing a wider range of medical staff to acquire diagnostic-quality images. The company was co-founded by its chief medical officer, Achiau Ludomirsky, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at NYU Langone Health. New York University is an existing investor in the company, alongside investors like Mayo Clinic Ventures.
9/22/2026
I’m a trainer: Your 40s and 50s may be the most important decades for longevity, experts say
Men's Journal
Midlife, from ages 40 to 60, is a critical period for protecting long-term health, according to experts. The article highlights that addressing modifiable risk factors such as blood pressure, sleep, and weight during these decades can significantly impact later-life health and cognition. Regarding exercise, Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Health, emphasized that for individuals new to lifting weights, any form of resistance training will be beneficial. Other recommended habits include interval training, consuming protein, maintaining social connections, and ensuring consistent sleep.
9/22/2026
Same score, different skill? Rethinking virtual doctor communication exams
SCIENMAG
A new study from researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine suggests virtual and in-person clinical exams are not entirely equivalent. The team, led by Christine Beltran, EdD, senior research coordinator, and Colleen Gillespie, PhD, associate professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, analyzed 126 residents' communication skills. While overall performance scores were similar, the study found residents needed a lower proficiency level to be rated well on explaining medical jargon in a virtual setting compared to an in-person one.
9/22/2026
Prior authorization for detox in New York: What to expect
The Recover
New York State law generally prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization for inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment at in-network, state-certified facilities. Exceptions include self-funded employer plans, which fall under federal law. For level-of-care decisions, the state mandates the use of the Level of Care for Alcohol and Drug Treatment Referral (LOCADTR) tool. This tool was developed by New York's Office of Addiction Services and Supports in partnership with NYU Grossman School of Medicine. The article also details consumer rights and the appeals process if treatment is denied.
9/22/2026
NYS Health Department bars 21 providers from vaccinating kids amid fraud crackdown
Newsday
The New York State Department of Health has prohibited 21 healthcare providers, including nine from Long Island, from vaccinating children over the past four years amid a crackdown on fraud. Arthur Caplan, PhD, a professor emeritus of bioethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, commented that this fraud expanded after the state eliminated the religious exemption for immunizations in 2019. He described the exemption as an 'escape hatch' for parents opposing vaccines. The state has created a public 'fraud awareness' list to warn schools about the suspended providers.
9/23/2026
There’s a limit to how much GLP-1s can do, according to a new study
Prevention
A new University of Chicago study found that GLP-1 medications are not meaningfully associated with improvements in mental health, employment, or marriage. The research analyzed over a decade of data from adults with diabetes. However, conflicting research has shown some positive life impacts. Commenting on the findings, Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor in NYU Langone's Department of Psychiatry, explains that while the medications can be life-changing, they are not 'life-restructuring.' She notes they cannot automatically improve relationships or careers, but rather serve as a tool that creates capacity for change.
9/22/2026
'Rhino tranq' withdrawal is rising: Are clinicians ready?
Medscape
A veterinary sedative called medetomidine, or 'rhino tranq,' is increasingly contaminating the illicit fentanyl supply, leading to a new and severe withdrawal syndrome. The CDC has noted a rapid increase in detections, with the drug proliferating in cities like Philadelphia and Chicago. While most prevalent in the Northeast, its reach is expanding. Joseph J. Palamar, PhD, MPH, professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, commented that medetomidine has spread to the West Coast but is not as pervasive there yet. He also expressed concern that a more dangerous drug could eventually emerge to replace it.
9/22/2026
Traumatic Brain Injury 101: What you need to know about TBI
Blavity
An article provides a comprehensive overview of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), detailing its causes, biological phases, and health complications such as post-concussion syndrome. The piece discusses modern management strategies favoring a gradual return to activity. For severe head trauma, Marc Siegel, MD, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, explains that brain swelling can be treated with medication or surgery, where part of the skull is removed, to decrease pressure and improve chances of a full recovery.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health
9/22/2026
DR. MARC SIEGEL: ‘THE ANGELS AMONG US’ — A dying woman, the shofar and the miracle that followed
WSFX-TV (Wilmington, NC)
In an opinion piece, Marc Siegel, MD, clinical professor in NYU Langone's Department of Medicine, discusses his new book, 'The Angels Among Us.' He explores the symbolic meaning of the shofar, a ram's horn, as a representation of healing, spiritual redemption, and miracles. Dr. Siegel recounts the story of a journalist in Australia who experienced a miraculous recovery from a chronic lung disease after a rabbi blew the shofar at her bedside. He also shares other anecdotes illustrating the shofar's spiritual significance, linking its historical use to modern faith and healing.
9/22/2026
Trump administration cancels ACA coverage for 760,000, citing fraud
Healio Primary Care
The Trump administration announced it is canceling Affordable Care Act coverage for 760,000 individuals, citing fraud. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will also enact a six-month national moratorium on new insurance brokers. Commenting on the decision, Arthur Caplan, PhD, professor emeritus and founding head of the division of medical ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stated that the administration is focusing on fraud instead of the core issue of high healthcare costs. He argued the policy will strain public health facilities and emergency rooms by reducing coverage.
9/22/2026
Lower blood pressure may boost brain health, UT Health study finds
San Antonio Express-News
A study from UT Health San Antonio found that lowering high blood pressure can delay the progression of cerebral small vessel disease, a major cause of strokes and dementia. Researchers found that participants targeting a blood pressure of less than 120 mmHG experienced a nearly 40% slower progression of the disease. To provide local context, the article references data showing that over a third of San Antonio residents had high blood pressure in 2023. This data came from the City Health Dashboard, a portal created by NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Also reporting was: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
9/21/2026
Insurance coverage lags as cancer science, treatment move forward
KFF Health News
The article details the case of a patient with a rare brain tumor whose insurer denied coverage for an off-label drug. His neuro-oncologists, including Jessica Schulte, MD, a neuro-oncologist and administrative director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Neuro-Oncology program at NYU Langone's Brain & Spine Tumor Center, recommended the treatment based on a 'biologically reasonable' assumption it would work. Schulte notes that large clinical trials are often not feasible for such rare cancers. The story highlights the gap between genomic testing insights and insurance policies, detailing the family's six-week struggle to obtain the medication.
Also reporting was: NationofChange
9/22/2026
