A study presented at a meeting of the Obesity Society found that more than half of patients who stop taking GLP-1 drugs regain weight within a year. The analysis of data from more than 1.2 million patients found people with type 2 diabetes were more likely to persist using the medications than those without type 2 diabetes.

Zillennials, or people born in the years between the millennials and Generation Z, are experiencing "planxiety" and choice paralysis during open enrollment, with many lacking confidence in selecting health insurance according to a Justworks and Harris Poll report. Zillennials are increasingly turning to AI and social media instead of benefit managers, a trend that could raise employer compensation costs and decrease productivity. Justworks also highlights the underutilization of flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.

During a recent webinar, human resources leaders from Charter Communications, Dayforce and Vanguard discussed strategies for employee engagement, development and retention. They emphasized creating affordability for frontline workers by absorbing health care costs and revamping education benefits, internal mobility to maintain low attrition rates, and the distinct roles of coaches, mentors and sponsors.

The nation's median small-business insurance premium has increased 23% since 2022, surpassing inflation by more than 13%, according to a report from payroll service firm Gusto. The rising costs are squeezing margins and limiting investment in hiring, wage growth and expansion, the report notes.

Leadership during the age of artificial intelligence will belong to those who can use the technology as a tool without losing sight of its limitations, writes Naphtali Hoff, an executive coach. "The leaders who thrive long-term will be those who wield AI responsibly -- ensuring it amplifies human potential rather than erodes it," Hoff writes.

The CMS debuted a beta version of the national provider directory at the Health Tech Ecosystem Connectathon in Washington, D.C. This directory aims to help beneficiaries locate providers that accept Medicare, marking a significant step in the CMS' interoperability initiative, launched in collaboration with the White House. This initiative focuses on voluntary industry standards to improve health care data transfer and patient access.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is reopening after a 42-day federal government shutdown ended, but financial advisors and firms might face delays as the agency manages a backlog of filings and examinations. The shutdown also halted new advisor registrations, with compliance experts noting that it is unclear whether the statutory 45-day clock for new registrants began upon filing or when the agency reopened.

Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women, with a new study in JAMA Network Open revealing that pregnant women face a 37% higher risk of firearm-related homicide compared to nonpregnant women. The study highlights the role of firearms in intimate partner violence and suggests that policy changes, such as safe storage laws and stricter firearm prohibitions for domestic violence offenders, could mitigate this risk.

Michigan lawmakers have advanced a bipartisan package of bills designed to address the growing problem of medical debt across the state. The proposed legislation would require hospitals to create financial assistance programs based on patients' income and insurance status, and prohibit consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in reports. Additionally, the proposal calls for regular reporting of assistance data to the state health department.

Engaging in physical activity in natural, outdoor settings can significantly enhance psychological well-being, according to recent research. Investigators found that outdoor exercise in green spaces may help reduce anxiety and anger, boost energy and positive affect, and alleviate depression symptoms more effectively than working out in urban environments.