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YouTube still recommending eating disorder videos to teenagers, even after new rules, research finds

YouTube is still recommending videos related to eating disorders to teenagers a year after new rules were introduced to curb harmful online content, according to research.

To compare YouTube's video recommendations before and after the act came into force, the CCDH, a non-profit organisation that researches online harms, created a profile representing a 13-year-old girl in the UK.

Using this account, they viewed 10 potentially harmful videos about dieting and body image, mimicking the behaviour of a new user showing interest in that kind of content. They then analysed the next 100 videos suggested by YouTube's 'Up Next' algorithm.

In 2026, one in ten of those recommendations was classified as harmful eating disorder content, an improvement on the one in four identified when the CCDH carried out the same experiment in 2024.

However, experts argue this is still one too many.

A food additive developed to help prevent weight gain now appears on the EU’s Novel Food List

Inulin propionate ester (IPE) is a dietary fibre that has been developed and tested by scientists at Imperial College London and SUERC, Centre for the Isotope Sciences at the University of Glasgow.

Researchers have found it maximises the known benefits of a high-fibre diet, helping people to feel fuller for longer. Randomised controlled trials by the team found that around 10 grams of IPE per day can regulate appetite and help prevent weight gain.

The ingredient is a mixture of inulin – a natural substance found in chicory and onions – and propionate, a naturally occurring short-chain fatty acid.

They envisage that the white powder will in future be added to everyday foods such as smoothies, shots and cereals, or baked into bread to keep weight off before it develops into a problem. It can also be eaten as a standalone supplement.

Comparative effects of drugs for adults with overweight or obesity: new systematic review and network meta-analysis

The researchers aimed to provide an up-to-date evidence summary about the comparative benefits and harms of drugs for adults with overweight or obesity.

The study involved randomised controlled trials of 12 weeks’ duration or longer comparing one or more drugs with lifestyle modification, placebo or another drug.

Researchers concluded that obesity drugs produce variable weight loss at one year, with larger benefits generally accompanied by greater harms and discontinuation. It found that agents do not improve quality of life meaningfully and few show cardiovascular benefits.

The researchers came to the conclusion that decisions in clinical practice should consider trade-offs between benefits and harms within the context of shared decision-making.

The BDA Neonatal Sub-Group welcomes review into maternity and neonatal services

The BDA Neonatal Sub-Group has welcomed the publication of Baroness Amos’ review into maternity and neonatal services:

It says: "We recognise the invaluable contribution of the families, staff and neonatal dietitians who shared their experiences with the review. Our thoughts remain with harmed and bereaved families, whose voices must continue to be central to all future improvement work.

"We welcome Bliss’ response to the review and its continued focus on ensuring that neonatal services and the needs of babies receiving neonatal care are fully reflected in national improvement plans. In particular, we support the recognition of the vital role played by the wider multidisciplinary team, including allied health, psychological and pharmacy professionals, in delivering safe, high-quality neonatal care.

"We would advocate further recognition of the contribution of neonatal dietitians and other allied health professionals in future national work arising from the review..."

Nearly a third of adults in England are affected by obesity, with a disproportionate burden among disadvantaged groups

In the study, there was significant variation in obesity prevalence by age, sex, socioeconomic status and ethnicity. This ranged from 4·3% in the least socioeconomically deprived white men aged 18–19 years to 66·1% in the most deprived black women aged 60–69 years, which was nearly double that in the least-deprived white women in the same age group (60–69 years; 34·5%).

Geographical disparities were considerable, with prevalence varying between 8·5% and 48·1% (an almost six-fold difference), with the largest increases over time observed in most deprived regions.

Researchers noted that obesity affects nearly one in three adults in England, with disproportionate burden among disadvantaged groups and widening disparities since the COVID-19 pandemic. They also noted that increasing rates among individuals of childbearing age risk perpetuating intergenerational cycles of health inequality. They concluded that the intersection of sociodemographic determinants underscores the preventable nature of obesity and the need to address dimensions of inequality in prevention efforts.

Patients, carers, health professionals and researchers have identified the top 10 priorities for childhood food allergy research

Patients, carers, health professionals and researchers have come together to identify the top 10 priorities for childhood food allergy research in the UK. The priorities will be used to shape future research in line with what matters most to children and young people and those who care for them.

The priorities were identified through a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership led by researchers at the Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research (CAESAR) at the University of Bristol. The research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and supported by Allergy UK, Anaphylaxis UK, Natasha’s Foundation, formerly known as The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, and Eczema Outreach Support. Details of how the priorities were set are published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy. 

The priorities have already been used to inform the early-years focus of Natasha’s Prize, a £10 million investment by Natasha’s Foundation into global research to create a future without food allergy.

The BDA has published an update responding to concerns over Band 5 roles and is asking for members to share their experiences

The BDA has published a statement acknowledging the growing concern among dietetic learners, new graduates and educators about the availability of Band 5 dietetic roles across the UK. It has said it wants to reassure its members that supporting the dietetic workforce is a priority and it is taking a series of coordinated actions to understand what is happening and to influence national decision-making across the four nations:

• Tracking the workforce data

• Preparing to respond to workforce plans

• Supporting members entering the workforce

• Encouraging political advocacy

The BDA has shared a survey asking professionals about their experience of securing a dietetic role. This information directly informs its national influencing work and strengthens its case with government (Westminster and devolved), NHS leaders and workforce planners.

A new study looking at a decade of UK nutrition habits has found that protein consumption has increased, while a fibre gap remains

A new study of UK diets found that adults have shifted towards higher protein and lower carbohydrate intake over the past decade, with dietary fibre still too low despite a slightly improved intake.

Results showed that:

• carbohydrate intake decreased by about 60% but people still consumed more carbohydrates than recommended;

• total sugar and free sugar also fell, though again people still ate more than recommended;

• Fat intake increased by around 19% but remained within guidelines;

• protein intake increased by about 20.5% and exceeded recommended levels.

Part of the rise in protein has been attributed to GLP1 medications, as well as increased awareness around the benefits of protein for health.