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
The cost shock of specialist care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:11
When you pay for private health insurance, you might assume you'll be well covered if you get injured or fall ill. But a new report has revealed the huge costs that catch people off guard, and sometimes prevent them from…
Going to ChatGPT for health advice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:11
Many people turning to AI for health advice are doing it for valid reasons — it's cheap, fast and isn't bound by a 15-minute timer. But the checks and balances companies use to ensure their products are safe, or even acc…
What are the benefits of having a dry January? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
If you're having a month off the beers to kick off the year, do you know what a short stretch of sobriety could achieve? Some companies in the United States are even pushing people to trade their alcohol for THC, for "hi…
Can AI make personalised medicine accessible? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
How far would you go to save your dog? One owner has used ChatGPT and other AI models to find a treatment for his pup's cancer. Also, we could be missing cases of liver disease because of differences between pathology ce…
Walking the Camino with knee osteoarthritis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:05
People with osteoarthritis used to be told to take it easy and avoid overdoing exercise. But the advice has changed drastically. Also, should everyone going onto GLP-1 medications for weight loss be screened and monitore…
Is Dr Google fuelling your hypochondria? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:59
Anxiety can manifest in an excessive worry about your health, and it can be debilitating. But there are effective treatments. Also, antidepressants can be difficult to come off because of the withdrawal symptoms. An expe…
Uncovering the brain circuit for creativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:02
There's a paradox in neurodegenerative disease – sometimes as the brain deteriorates, creativity flourishes. Researchers have used imaging techniques to map creativity in the brains of people with Parkinson’s and Alzheim…
Swapping salt for a heart healthier option [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:57
Substituting your table salt for something with lower sodium could drive down your risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, what expectant parents might not know about screening for genetic diseases before conceiving. Arti…
Indigenous babies born with more gut bugs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:44
Despite facing an increased risk of chronic disease later in life, remote Indigenous babies start life with a more diverse gut microbiome. A new study in Nature also found the infants have bacteria that have completely d…
Taking women's pain seriously in healthcare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:41
Historically women have had a hard time being heard in the doctor's office, with dismissiveness and delays in diagnosis all too common. The state government in Victoria has held an enquiry into women's pain to come up wi…