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Semaglutide may curb alcohol cravings but proven treatment options for alcohol misuse remain superior, warns expert

New research suggests that semaglutide, which is the active ingredient used in the weight‑loss drug Wegovy and diabetes treatment Ozempic, may also reduce alcohol cravings. However, while early studies show promise, the NHS doesn’t currently approve semaglutide for alcohol reduction. A leading expert in alcohol reduction is calling for caution, pointing out that semaglutide is not licensed for treating alcohol misuse and that established, evidence‑based treatments for addiction already exist.

“The science is intriguing but it’s far too soon to recommend these injections for anything beyond their licensed use," says Harvey Bhandal, MD at Sinclair Method UK, specialists in long‑term alcohol reduction treatment. "We need large‑scale, controlled clinical trials before anyone can call this a realistic treatment option for problem drinking.”

Think Flex First: why flexible working matters more than ever in the NHS

Think Flex First NHS is a cultural change that encourages employers to build flexibility and choice into roles from day one. Part of this is the launch of a refreshed suite of resources to support flexible working across the NHS, now available on an updated flexible working hub.

Think Flex First NHS promotes a proactive approach to job design and service planning, ensuring flexibility is an employer-led offer rather than something staff must request.

As part of this launch, the NHS has published updated flexible working toolkits for line managers and for staff members. They reflect the latest policy, legislation and good practice, as well as including practical guidance and new case study videos showcasing trusts that are leading the way.

Scientists tested vitamin D supplementation's effect on COVID-19 and instead found it affects long COVID symptoms

Vitamin D is often linked to immune health, though studies examining its role in COVID-19 have produced mixed results. To help clarify its potential benefits, researchers launched the Vitamin D for COVID-19 (VIVID) Trial. he study evaluated whether high dose vitamin D3 supplementation could influence outcomes in people recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and in members of their households.

Researchers at Mass General Brigham found that taking high doses of vitamin D3 didn't make COVID-19 infections less severe or reduce hospital visits. However, they did find a subtle signal suggesting that people who consistently took vitamin D supplements might be slightly less likely to develop long COVID symptoms weeks after infection. The results were published in The Journal of Nutrition.

Nutrition & Hydration Week 2026: Reinforce, Focus and Energise

It's Nutrition & Hydration Week 2026, an annual event that highlights and educates people on the value of food and drink in maintaining health and well-being in health and social care.

Nutrition and Hydration Week has taken place every March since 2012. Its purpose is to bring people together to create energy, focus and fun. Organisations from around the world and from all areas of health and social care take part. The highlight of the week is the Global Tea Party, which takes place on Wednesday; the whole community is invited to hold a tea party wherever they are and share the fun on social media.

In our March issue, Ines Jabir highlights that “Nutrition & Hydration Week 2026 offers an opportunity to strengthen everyday practice through consistent screening, timely food-first interventions and clear escalation pathways.”

Patients regain weight rapidly after stopping weight loss drugs – but still keep off a quarter of weight lost

Approximately half of all patients who begin taking weight loss drugs discontinue their use within the first year, while three-quarters have stopped after two years. A team of students at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, investigated the impact of stopping the medication, modelling the trajectory of weight regain over 12 months and beyond.

They found that a year after stopping taking weight loss drugs, people regain on average 60% of their lost weight – but beyond this, their weight regain plateaus, with individuals managing to keep off 25% of the weight lost to treatment. What isn’t clear is whether the weight regain constitutes both fat and muscle or mainly fat. Previous studies have suggested that lean body mass – including muscle – can constitute up to 40% of total weight lost during treatment

Genetic study links vitamin B1 metabolism to gut motility and IBS risk

Scientists studying genetic data from over a quarter million people have uncovered clues about what controls how fast the gut moves. The researchers used a large-scale genetic strategy to look for common DNA differences linked to bowel movement frequency.

The analysis uncovered 21 regions of the human genome that influence bowel movement frequency, including 10 regions that had not been identified before. Many of the genetic signals pointed to biological systems already known to regulate gut motion.

The most notable discovery emerged when researchers focused on two high-priority genes connected to vitamin B1 biology. The effect of thiamine intake on bowel movement frequency depended on genetic variation in the SLC35F3 and XPR1 genes. This suggests that inherited differences in how the body handles thiamine may shape how vitamin B1 intake influences bowel habits.

Virtual treatment research brings benefits for eating disorder patients

People with severe eating disorders are most at risk of becoming unwell again in the first two months after leaving the hospital. New research from Oxford Health shows that this difficult period can be supported in a different way, using a virtual treatment service delivered in people’s own homes.

Oxford Health is pleased to announce the publication of an evaluation of Step Care in the Journal of Eating Disorders.  This is the first prospective study to look at a fully virtual, intensive treatment service, using multi-disciplinary, integrated enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E), designed to support people as they move between inpatient care and community services.

The evaluation showed high levels of engagement and completion, including among people who had been unwell for a long time.

Slow NHS rollout of weight loss drugs risks pushing Londoners to unsafe alternatives

A new report from the London Assembly Health Committee warns that the vast majority of people are currently obtaining weight loss drugs privately. While around half a million Londoners could be eligible for the medicines, only around 3,000 people in London were receiving them on the NHS as of November 2025. Meanwhile, tens of thousands are estimated to be buying them privately.

The report highlights serious risks linked to the rapid rise in demand, such as counterfeit or unregulated ‘skinny jabs’ sold through informal settings, which can pose significant health risks. Evidence suggests that more than 18,000 illegal weight-loss medicines were seized at UK borders between 2024 and mid-2025. Clinicians and patients have stressed that medication must be accompanied by ‘wraparound care’.  To address the issues, the Committee is calling for faster NHS rollout plus stronger safeguards across public and private provision.