News from NYU Langone Health
More kids using GLP-1 drugs to fight obesity
HealthDay
A new study in 'Pediatrics' finds that prescriptions for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for children aged 8 to 11 with obesity have increased 310-fold since 2019. Lead researcher Babak Orandi, MD, associate professor of surgery and medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted that while absolute numbers are still low, use is accelerating rapidly. The research also highlighted an access gap, with children in upper-income areas being 55% more likely to receive the drugs. Co-senior researcher Allan Massie, associate professor of surgery and population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access.
9/08/2026
Study reveals why some GLP-1 users may be more prone to hair loss
Technology Networks
A new study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health found that men with a genetic predisposition for common hair loss have a 7% increased risk if they use GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, provides the first genetic link between GLP-1 use and androgenetic alopecia. According to study senior investigator Lynn Petukhova, PhD, an assistant professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology and the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, these findings could lead to screening patients for hair loss risk before prescribing the medications.
9/08/2026
Three midlife health risks linked to nearly 13 fewer dementia-free years
ConsumerAffairs
A new study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health found that adults who avoided high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking in middle age lived nearly 13 years longer without dementia than those with all three risk factors. The findings analyzed data from over 12,000 adults followed for 26 years. Josef Coresh, MD, PhD, founding director of NYU Langone's Optimal Aging Institute, and the study's senior investigator, said the results argue for actively averting these factors in midlife as a strategy for preserving long-term brain health.
9/08/2026
Why you should drink a glass of water before your morning coffee
Verywell Health
Starting the day with water can help restore hydration lost during sleep, according to Lisa Ganjhu, DO, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health. She recommends drinking water after waking to replenish fluids and notes it can aid digestion and stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. Consistent hydration offers multiple benefits, from increased energy to better bowel movements. The article also includes commentary from Ethan Balk, PhD, of NYU Steinhardt, who suggests that water may reduce stomach pain caused by coffee’s acidity for some individuals.
9/08/2026
Colchicine shows no benefit over placebo in knee osteoarthritis pain
Medscape
A three-month clinical trial conducted at NYU Langone Health found that daily colchicine offered no significant benefit over placebo in reducing knee osteoarthritis pain. The study, which involved 120 participants, showed that while pain scores improved in both groups, there was no statistical difference between them. However, colchicine treatment was associated with reductions in certain OA-related serum biomarkers, suggesting potential biochemical changes. The research was led by Jonathan Samuels, MD, associate director for Clinical Initiatives and director of Rheumatology Ultrasound Program at NYU Langone Health.
9/08/2026
The Weed in Weed: September 2026
JD Supra
A study by NYU Langone found that older adults in New York City are increasingly consuming cannabis. Surveying hundreds of adults aged 65 and older, the study showed that about 60% use cannabis purely for recreational purposes, outnumbering those who use it for chronic pain, tension, or sleep. The article also discusses a congressional delay of a federal hemp ban until December and a federal lawsuit challenging a plan for Medicare to cover hemp products.
9/08/2026
Exclusive: J. Harrison Ghee opens up about need for a kidney and how Broadway is lifting them up
BroadwayWorld
Broadway performer J. Harrison Ghee, who is on the kidney transplant waiting list, shared an example of public support they have received. Ghee recounted that a stranger offered to be tested as a potential match, mentioning they had already been approved as a donor at NYU Langone Health. Although the individual was not a match, Ghee noted the act was part of an overwhelming amount of support from the community. Diagnosed with kidney disease in 2022, a condition prevalent in their family, Ghee is managing their health while preparing for a national tour.
9/08/2026
Early kidney disease diagnosis gaps remain despite more screening
MedCentral
A new analysis finds that while chronic kidney disease (CKD) testing for Medicare enrollees increased between 2016 and 2023, it has not led to more diagnoses in the early stages. The report notes the underuse of urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) testing. Michal Melamed, MD, director of NYU Langone’s Chronic Kidney Disease Center, stated that serum testing is more common than urine testing. She also emphasized that early detection is important as new medications are available that can slow CKD progression and potentially prevent patients from requiring dialysis.
9/08/2026
LeanTaaS CEO talks Aidin acquisition, ‘Optimizing out' of capacity troubles
Newsweek
During a Newsweek webinar on smart hospitals, leaders from various health systems discussed the gap between having technology and achieving digital maturity. Eyal Zimlichman of Sheba Medical Center noted the difficulty of scaling pilots, while Wonchul Cha of Samsung Medical Center said even advanced organizations are still learning. The discussion concluded with a quote from Paul Testa, MD, NYU Langone's Chief Health Informatics Officer, who stated that a smart hospital 'isn't a goal, it's a result.' The article also covers other industry news, including OpenAI’s new Epic integration.
9/08/2026
What exactly is a Baker’s cyst—and can you get rid of it?
Runner's World
A Baker’s cyst is an overflow of fluid from the knee joint that collects at the back of the knee, explains Salvador Portugal, DO, MBA, a physician specializing in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and sports medicine at the NYU Langone Orthopedic Center, and medical director of Sports Medicine Rehabilitation. The cysts, which can fluctuate in size, are often caused by underlying knee issues like osteoarthritis or cartilage tears. Portugal notes that running is generally healthy for the knee and people only need to modify training if pain occurs. He also considers aspiration a reasonable treatment for highly symptomatic cases. Vikas Shahi, MD, a physician at Hospital for Special Surgery, also provides expert commentary.
9/08/2026
Reality TV World
'Bachelor in Paradise' alum Joe Amabile is recovering after surgery for a malignant brain tumor, sharing his ongoing struggles with over-stimulation and anxiety. His physician, Alexandra Miller, MD, chief of neuro-oncology and co-director of the Brain and Spine Tumor Center at NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center, said he has a good prognosis because the tumor was found early. Amabile, who is now on daily medication, has been documenting his journey on social media to help others in similar situations and hopes to run in the 2026 New York City marathon.
9/08/2026
9/11's toxic legacy haunts children 25 years later
Newsmax
As the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks nears, researchers are focusing on the long-term health consequences for the 25,000 children who were exposed to the toxic dust and trauma. The federally funded World Trade Center Health Program is establishing a new research cohort for this group. Commenting on the timing of this effort, Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, director of the Division of Environmental Pediatrics, vice chair of pediatric research, and the Jim G. Hendrick, MD Professor of Pediatrics and professor of population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stated, 'I would say it's a tad late.' Previous studies have linked childhood exposure to higher rates of asthma and depression, while the long-term cancer risk remains a key area of investigation.
9/08/2026
