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What we are reading...

Alcohol A recent WHO/Europe publication, based on 2019 data, shows that alcohol contributes to almost one third of all injury-related deaths in the Region, with particularly high impacts from self-harm, road injuries, and falls.

Child health A large longitudinal study of over 8,000 children finds that higher social media use in school-aged children is associated with a small but consistent increase in inattention symptoms over four years - Pediatrics Open Science

Commercial determinants The UK will extend its Soft Drinks Industry Levy to include more high-sugar drinks, such as milk-based and milk-alternative beverages. The levy has already halved sugar levels in affected drinks and contributed to declines in childhood obesity and dental decay. The government has also banned TV advertising of high-fat, sugar, and salt foods before 9pm, alongside a full online ban.

Commercial determinants A new briefing by the European Parliament Research Service reviews rising energy drink consumption among adolescents and the associated health risks, including cardiovascular effects and sleep disruption. While no EU-wide ban exists beyond mandatory high-caffeine labelling, several Member States have introduced sales restrictions for minors.

Education A UNESCO handbook shows how health and wellbeing can be systematically embedded into education policy and planning. It provides practical tools and examples to help make schools safer, more inclusive, and health-promoting.

Equity A new practice paper from the Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI) describes how equity, diversity, and inclusion were embedded across a large multinational initiative and presents a transferable framework - BMJ Global Health

Food systems A new report highlights the largely hidden health, fertility, and environmental costs of toxic chemicals widely used across food systems, including pesticides, PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenols. It estimates that food-related chemical exposures could cost the global economy up to $2.2 trillion annually and contribute to rising noncommunicable diseases and fertility loss – Systemiq

Food systems An analysis by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability argues that sustainable food systems are essential for achieving climate, health, and social goals. The authors highlight the sector’s major environmental footprint and health impacts, and call for stronger investment, social protection, and policy shifts to support affordable, healthy diets.

Mental health A new publication from the EU-funded RISE project examines how anti-Roma racism and hate speech affect mental health. It also documents community-led responses to counter online hatred.

Migrant health A new study from Ireland finds that data on migrants’ health are poorly integrated in health information systems. Only 22% of national data repositories collect migration-related variables – International Journal for Equity in Health

Misinformation The French Ministry of Health has launched a national strategy to tackle health misinformation. The strategy combines citizen engagement, a new Health Disinformation Observatory, rapid monitoring and response mechanisms, and long-term action through education, research, and platform accountability.

NCDs A Lancet commentary challenges the framing of non-communicable diseases as ‘lifestyle’ conditions. It argues that poverty and social, commercial, and environmental determinants fundamentally shape NCD risk, outcomes, and access to care. The authors call for policies that move responsibility away from individuals and address structural drivers of NCDs.

Obesity A study of over 117,000 Spanish workers shows that social isolation independently increases obesity risk by 27%. Higher risk was also observed among men, older age groups, people in lower social classes, and with unhealthy lifestyles - Frontiers in Endocrinology

Obesity A Finnish study finds that prediabetes in children with overweight or obesity has risen sharply over time. Notably, prevalence increased from 11% in the early 2000s to 50% by 2017–2019, independent of the degree of obesity - International Journal of Obesity

Pandemic preparedness In a BMJ commentary, Sir Michael Marmot argues that pandemics both expose and reinforce social and economic inequalities and create a self-perpetuating inequality-pandemic cycle. He calls for pandemic preparedness rooted in action on social determinants of health, global financial reform, equitable access to health technologies, and community-led responses.

Poverty New data from Statistics Finland show that the number of people on low incomes rose by 45,500 in 2024, reaching 14.2% of the population. Child poverty also increased, particularly among single-parent and large families.

Poverty In 2024, 16.2% of people in the EU (72.1 million) were at risk of poverty, with significant regional disparities. Rates exceeded 30% in 10 regions, peaking in Guyane, France (53.3%) and Ciudad de Melilla, Spain (41.4%). Meanwhile, Bucureşti-Ilfov, Romania (3.7%) and Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium (5.4%) recorded rates below 10% - Eurostat

Spatial determinants A new open-access book argues that social determinants of health cannot be fully understood without a spatial lens and place-based perspective – Springer

Taxation Two new World Health Organization reports show that excise taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages are still not being used to their full potential. WHO concludes that better tax design and higher rates are needed.

Tobacco & nicotine Inspections in Ireland found that more than one in five vape shops tested sold nicotine products to under-18s, despite a sales ban in place since 2023 – The Irish Times

Health Highlights