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Generation Z drinking and smoking far less than previous generations
New research conducted by YouGov for the Times suggests that young adults are consuming significantly less alcohol than their parents, with around one in five 18 to 27-year-olds abstaining entirely. The findings also highlight reduced smoking prevalence in this age group compared to previous generations, with low rates of smoking and vaping. Only 3% of 18-27 year olds said they smoked regularly, and 60% said they had never tried cigarettes or vaping products. While women were more likely to vape than men, they were less likely to smoke. The research shows a broader focus on healthier living, including reduced drug taking and more physical activity.
Source: The Times, 12 February 2025
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Smoking and obesity together accelerate multiple sclerosis progression
New research suggests that smoking and obesity independently contribute to faster disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS), but their combined effect leads to even greater disability and cognitive decline. The study, published in the European Journal of Neurology, analysed data from over 3,300 MS patients and found that those who both have obesity and smoked experienced significantly worse outcomes than those with either risk factor alone.
While smoking was linked to increased cognitive impairment, both factors contributed to greater physical disability, as measured by established MS assessment scales. The study found that people who both smoke and have obesity had an 86% higher risk of reaching significant disability levels compared to lower increases seen in those with only one of the risk factors.
Researchers suggest that chronic inflammation associated with obesity may intensify the harmful effects of smoking, amplifying its impact on disease progression. The findings highlight the importance of interventions to manage MS and slow its progression.
Source: Multiple Sclerosis News Today, 11 February 2025
See also: European Journal of Neurology - Smoking and Obesity Interact to Adversely Affect Disease Progression and Cognitive Performance in Multiple Sclerosis
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Weight-loss drugs show promise in reducing alcohol and cigarette consumption
A recent study conducted by the University of Southern California suggests that semaglutide-based medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, may help individuals consume less alcohol and smoke fewer cigarettes. Originally developed for diabetes management and weight loss, these drugs appeared to reduce cravings and overall intake among participants with alcohol use disorder.
The trial involved 48 individuals who frequently engaged in heavy drinking. After nine weeks, those receiving semaglutide experienced fewer cravings, consumed less alcohol on drinking days, and had fewer instances of excessive consumption compared to those given a placebo. The drug also outperformed existing treatments for alcohol dependence
Beyond alcohol, the study found that participants who smoked significantly reduced their cigarette consumption. With alcohol-related deaths rising in recent years, researchers suggest that the widespread use of these medications could offer a new approach to tackling substance dependence.
Source: Sky news, 12 February 2025
See also: Jama Psychiatry - Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder | Science Media Centre - Expert reaction to study looking at once-weekly semaglutide in adults with alcohol use disorder
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Written question
Asked by Mary Kelly Foy, Labour, City of Durham
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to prepare a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities in the North East.
Answered by Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire
The United Kingdom faces significant health inequalities, with life expectancy varying widely across and within communities. The Government is committed to building a fairer Britain by tackling the structural inequalities that contribute to poor health, particularly for disadvantaged groups.
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ North East and Yorkshire Regional Team collaborates with partners to provide system leadership for public health, reducing health inequalities. The team facilitates the delivery of national and local public health priorities, providing expert advice. It works with Directors of Public Health in local authorities, integrated care systems, Mayoral Combined Authorities, NHS England, and the wider National Health Service. The team also leads for public health workforce development and with Local Knowledge and Intelligence colleagues, and provides enhanced data, intelligence, and insights for population health.
North East local authorities received a total of £238 million in Public Health Grant funding for 2024/25, with Durham County Council receiving £53.9 million for 2024/25. This provides services such as stop smoking, drug and alcohol treatment, health visiting and school nursing, and sexual health, among others, all of which contribute to addressing health inequalities. Additionally, Directors of Public Health from each local authority are working in partnership with the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board to support action to address inequalities in access, experience, and outcomes associated with health care.
Existing initiatives to reduce inequalities in relation to health services, in England, include NHS England’s Core20Plus5, which focuses on improving the five clinical areas in most need of accelerated improvement in the poorest 20% of the population, along with other underserved population groups identified at a local level, including groups that share protected characteristics, and socially excluded groups such as people experiencing homelessness.
Durham County Council is one of 75 local authorities with high levels of deprivation receiving Family Hubs and Start for Life programme funding. The Government has committed a £126 million boost for families in 2025/26 to give every child the best start in life. Of this, Durham County Council will receive £1.68 million.
Source: Hansard, 12 February 2025
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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