Health Report

Covering the health stories that make a difference. Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander dissect the latest and breaking news in the medical world.

Health Report is a health podcast hosted by ABC Australia, with 239 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

ABC Australia hosts Health Report, a health show with 239 episodes published.

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  Health Report

  BMI fails the test as a predictor of disease risk

  Aug 14, 202645 min

  A study shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included with BMI when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease. A new rapid 'lateral flow' test is being trialled in the hope it will provide faster and more accurate results to help detect and treat iron deficiencies. We follow up on our earlier story about the lack of access to medical abortion services for women in rural and remote areas. Guest/s Dr Michael Blaha, Professor of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for Cardiovascular Disease Emily Eriksson, Senior Research Officer in immunology and infectious diseases, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Dr Rod Martin, President, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine References JACC: Risk Reclassification Beyond BMI by Waist Circumference and Waist-to-Hip Ratio Across 9 Cardiovascular Outcomes: Results From the Cross-Cohort Collaboration WEHI TrueSat rapid iron test BMJ: Longitudinal trends and characteristics of medication abortion provision in Australian general practice: a national open-cohort study using Medicine Insight, 2014 to 2021 Nature: First poo transplant to treat food allergy in people has ‘exciting’ results Eli Lilly CEO still wants deal to bring Mounjaro to Australia under PBS Trump signs order to reduce childhood vaccines and break up MMR shots

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  Health Report

  Kate has a history of anorexia. Why was she prescribed weight loss jabs?

  Aug 7, 202652 min

  ‘Kate’ has a history of anorexia nervosa and was once hospitalised for the condition. Yet she was able to access GLP1s to control her weight via a telehealth provider, without being screened for an eating disorder. Surveys of acute pancreatitis are currently underway around Australia, in response to an increase in cases globally. A study from South Australia shows some surprising results with an increased incidence in young people, women and those from a higher socio-economic background. If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder: Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673 National Eating Disorder Collaboration Lifeline on 131 114 References AHPRA statement on telehealth providers not screening for eating disorders JAMA Psychiatry: Use and Misuse of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among People With Eating Disorders Epidemiological time trends in acute pancreatitis – A 16-year experience from South Australia Rise in drug-related deaths and hospitalisations driven by stimulants, annual NDARC reports find Global Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol—Leveraging Estimation for Action | Cardiology | JAMA | JAMA Network Laureates of the 2026 L'Oreal UNESCO for Women in Science International Awards Vitamin B6: too much, too little, too late? An analysis of sales trends in Australia from 2023 to 2025

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  Health Report

  An Alzheimer's blood test is on the way. What could that mean for you?

  Jul 31, 202643 min

  Clinicians, researchers, government and industry partners have come together in a new arrangement to trial a blood test that uses biomarkers for the Alzheimer's disease, in the hope it will aid diagnosis. A new vaccine developed to treat the latest outbreak of ebolavirus is already being tested on humans. But the organisation behind it has also invested in three vaccines, in case the trials aren't successful. Less than one third of general practices provide medical abortion in Australia, with access and support influenced by geographic location and socio-economic status. References Test that could identify signs of Alzheimer's disease 20 years earlier greenlit for trials Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation Longitudinal trends and characteristics of medication abortion provision in Australian general practice: a national open-cohort study using Medicine Insight, 2014 to 2021 Saliva test for endometriosis lacks real-world evidence, Australian experts say Vitamin K Prophylaxis in Newborns and Bleeding in Infancy Blood tests and ultrasounds: Korea is becoming one of the world's global healthcare hubs

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  Health Report

  When is a child ready for their own smartphone?

  Jul 24, 202644 min

  A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device? Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose levels for those with type 2 diabetes, research shows continuous glucose monitoring can be beneficial for those living with the condition. There is now clear evidence that having high blood pressure as a child can influence health outcomes later in life. New clinical guidelines recommend measuring blood pressure twice during childhood and adolescence, beginning at age 7. References Smartphone Acquisition and Use at Age 13 Years and Health Outcomes at Age 14 Years Continuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, multicentre, open-label, superiority trial Diabetes Australia statement Australian Guideline for the Identification and Management of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents Update on access to goserelin 3.6 mg implant Cost of accessing mental health services for young people New England Journal of Medicine: Meningococcal B Vaccine to Prevent Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection More than 11,500 cyclosporiasis cases reported in 41 states: CDC

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  Health Report

  What can you really learn from a biological ageing test?

  Jul 17, 202643 min

  There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your way to reverse ageing? Parents and caregivers of adolescents can worry about the side effects of taking oral medications for acne. A new study into the use of isotretinoin found no association with reduced adult height. A newly updated human-infective RNA virus dataset may be used to find patterns that help predict what a future virus, or ‘disease x’ might look like. References Four Corners: The Race to Reverse Aging Isotretinoin Treatment in Adolescence and Adult Height A complete catalogue of human-infective RNA viruses UK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeks Future pharmacy: A better deal for patients and taxpayers Pete Hegseth announces plan to test US troops for low testosterone

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