Lower socioeconomic status is associated with accelerated biological aging and increased risk of age-related diseases, influenced by inflammation and cellular stress.
Replacing butter with plant-based oils can reduce the risk of premature death, supporting dietary recommendations to limit saturated fats.
Significant weight fluctuations in obese adults with cardiovascular disease increase mortality risk, necessitating careful management of weight loss under medical supervision.

The top news stories in medicine today.

Social disadvantages can increase disease risk, accelerate aging

Researchers at University College London have found that people with lower socioeconomic status show signs of accelerated biological aging and a higher risk of age-related diseases. Published in Nature Medicine, the study analyzed data from more than 800,000 participants and identified 14 blood proteins linked to inflammation and cellular stress that may explain up to 39% of the increased disease risk in disadvantaged individuals. The findings highlight the impact of social conditions on aging, suggesting that improving socioeconomic factors could slow age-related decline and improve long-term health outcomes.

Replacing butter with plant-based oils could lower risk of premature death

A new study presented at the American Heart Association’s 2025 scientific sessions suggests that swapping butter for plant-based oils like olive, canola, and soybean oil may significantly reduce the risk of early death. Analyzing 33 years of data from over 200,000 U.S. adults, researchers found that higher butter consumption was linked to increased mortality, while plant-based oils were associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. The findings support dietary recommendations to limit saturated fats and prioritize healthier fat sources.

Significant weight loss may increase risk of death in obese adults

New research from Anglia Ruskin University, published in Heart, suggests that extreme weight fluctuations — both gain and loss — can significantly increase mortality risk for obese individuals with cardiovascular disease. Analyzing data from 8,297 UK Biobank participants over 14 years, researchers found that losing more than 10kg was linked to a 54% higher risk of death, while weight gain more than tripled cardiovascular mortality risk. Experts stress that weight loss in at-risk patients should be carefully managed under medical supervision, particularly with the rise of rapid weight-loss medications.