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Top viewed medical news articles: January 2026

February 2, 2026

Antitussives, corticosteroids, and inhalers weren’t linked to benefits for adult outpatients with lower respiratory tract infections

(J Gen Intern Med)—Benzonatate, systemic corticosteroids, and albuterol inhalers were often prescribed to adults in this prospective cohort study. Read more

New definition of obesity applies to 75% of U.S. adults

(JAMA Netw Open)—BMI doesn’t account for adipose tissue. Researchers examined 3 waist-circumference-based metrics to estimate obesity prevalence. Read more

Science, not ideology, steered FDA’s mifepristone policy

(JAMA)—Amid years of litigation and political debate over abortion access, researchers examined how FDA shaped mifepristone oversight. Read more

Common medications show unexpected link to Alice in Wonderland syndrome

(Psychiatry Res)—This rare neurologic disorder marked by perceptual distortions was historically tied to migraine and epilepsy but is now linked to certain medications. Read more

Alcohol consumption linked to cancer incidence in a dose-response relationship

(Cancer Epidemiol)—Elevated risk was noted for colorectal, breast, and liver cancers in this systematic review. Read more

FDA approves first at‑home neuromodulation therapy for adults with depression

(FDA)—Major depressive disorder can persist despite antidepressant therapy, leaving many patients without adequate relief. Read more

Which clinical factors predict opioid prescribing in adults treated for ADHD?

(Ann Pharmacother)—Opioid prescribing remains a key safety concern for patients with comorbid psychiatric or pain conditions. Read more