Do you take health advice from influencers?

Do you take health advice from influencers?

Author: ABC Australia September 13, 2025 Duration: 41:32
The way we get information has changed, and when it comes to health and wellness more and more people are turning to social media.  There are pros and cons, but when it comes to something as important as birth control, there's a price to pay for taking guidance from influencers.  Also on the show, why parent-focused programs haven't been working to tackle obesity in toddlers. And a story about the benefits of withdrawing medication, rather than starting it.  References Alcohol and Cancer Risk - JAMA Insights Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine GLP-1 RAs and Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes by Body Mass Index in Type 2 Diabetes  Incidence of GLP‐1 receptor agonist use by women of reproductive age attending general practices in Australia, 2011–2022: a retrospective open cohort study Joint statement on professional responsibilities for prescribing and dispensing medicines - AHPRA Parent-focused behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity (TOPCHILD): a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis “Do You Know What Birth Control Actually Does to Your Body?”: Assessing Contraceptive Information on TikTok Withdrawal of heart failure therapy after atrial fibrillation rhythm control with ejection fraction normalization: the WITHDRAW-AF trial

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Struggling to keep kids off screens? Here’s how to reduce the harm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:33
Tips on how to fend off the behavioural problems and cognitive troubles that come with too much screen time, too young. What a new paper has to say about semaglutide and suicidal ideation, plus promising results from a t…
Going for a bush walk? Your microbiome will thank you [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:11
We know a varied diet of veggies is good for our microbiome, but what about a varied environment? Where we spend our time also influences the good bacteria in our bodies. Also, we take a look at the mpox outbreak that's…
Sport has two sex categories, but biology isn't that simple [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:15
The Olympics has reignited a century-old debate about sex categories in sport — and what happens when policy doesn't align with biology. A look at the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Melbourne. Also, a response to unio…
The 'fertility' test that isn't a fertility test [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:00
Marketing of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) tests could be exploiting the anxiety women might feel about their fertility. An update on influenza, COVID-19 and whooping cough in Australia. Two more risk factors for dementia…
The running group chasing pain relief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:01
Research is clear on the benefits of exercise for certain types of pain, including for pain associated with cancer treatment. A running group is putting this into practice. An update on mammal-to-mammal transmission of b…
Small steps to boost teen mental health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:12
Adolescence is a stressful time. Researchers have been investigating simple ways to help improve teen mental health. The US president tests positive for COVID, plus the results of a large study into COVID vaccines and pr…
Making pleasure accessible to every body [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:54
Sex tech is giving people with disability better access to their own bodies. What Australia is doing to prepare for the migration of birds that could be carrying a potentially catastrophic strain of avian influenza. The…
Your winter blues might be seasonal depression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:08
Clarity on vaping changes and a look at the national diabetes inquiry. It turns out Australians are getting close to half of their energy needs from ultra-processed foods which can increase the risk of chronic disease Ex…
Counting steps or minutes: How to track exercise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:04
Is it 10 thousand steps or 30mins? How advice on regular exercise varies. What's being done in response to medication shortages. Deprescribing is when you wean off a prescription medication you no longer need, but it nee…

«1...678910