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The Health Review
Welcome to this week's edition of The Health Review newsletter! Emily here. It’s been a busy week – I’ve been in the studio recording some brilliant new podcast episodes (can’t wait to share them with you soon). I’m also looking forward to a bit of fresh air and a change of pace with a weekend hiking trip to the Peak District. I hope you have a lovely bank holiday weekend planned if you’re in the UK.
We're diving into a range of topics this week:
Feature: 🫁 London’s Clean Air Zones Are Saving Lives — But Are We Breathing Safe Air Yet?
Health News: 💊Second Daily Endometriosis Pill Approved for Use on the NHS.
🎙️ Podcast Episode: : Nutritionist & PT Lindsay Montgomery discusses all things postpartum recovery, weight loss & staying strong.
Hope you enjoy!
Emily x
Top Health News
Here’s what’s been trending in the health world:
💊Second Daily Endometriosis Pill Approved for Use on the NHS
A new once-daily pill to help manage endometriosis symptoms has been approved for NHS use in England. The treatment, linzagolix (marketed as Yselty), has been given the green light by NICE and could help more than 1,000 women a year — particularly those who haven’t responded well to other treatments. The medication works by suppressing the hormones that drive endometriosis symptoms and is used alongside low-dose hormone therapy to reduce side effects like bone thinning and menopausal symptoms.
🚹 Men More Likely to Die From Common Diseases and Less Likely to Seek Help, Study Finds
A global analysis has found that men are not only more likely to suffer and die from hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, but are also less likely to seek medical care compared to women. The study, led by Dr. Angela Chang at the University of Southern Denmark and published in PLOS Medicine, found major sex-based disparities across every stage of healthcare — from risk exposure and diagnosis to treatment and survival. Researchers say the findings underscore the need for gender-specific strategies in global health, as men were less likely to engage in care, while women were more likely to experience obesity.
💉U.S. Invests $500 Million in Next-Gen Universal Vaccines
The U.S. government is backing a major new initiative to create vaccines that protect against multiple virus strains at once, including new and emerging variants of influenza and coronaviruses. Dubbed “Generation Gold Standard,” the project involves a $500 million investment and aims to future-proof public health responses by developing broad-spectrum vaccine technologies. Health officials say the goal is to streamline protection against viral outbreaks and reduce the need for frequent booster updates.
🥓Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Thousands of Preventable UK Deaths
Eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may be contributing to thousands of early deaths in the UK each year, according to a new analysis. UPFs — including packaged snacks, processed meats, sugary cereals, and fizzy drinks — are often high in fat, sugar, salt, and additives, leaving little room for nutritious foods in the diet. The study estimates that over 17,000 premature deaths in 2018–19 may be associated with high UPF intake, renewing calls for stricter food policy and public health guidance.
🛍️ Boots Introduces Menopause Support Zones in 150 UK Stores
British health and beauty retailer Boots is enhancing its support for menopausal women by launching dedicated menopause zones in 150 of its UK stores this summer. These zones aim to make it easier for women to find products and services tailored to menopause-related symptoms such as hot flushes, low energy, and vaginal dryness. Customers will have access to specially trained staff, including pharmacists and beauty specialists, for personalized advice.
🧬New Study to Explore Link Between Vaginal Microbiome and IVF Success
A first-of-its-kind study is investigating how the balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiome may influence IVF outcomes. The research, launched by women’s health company Evvy and led in collaboration with leading fertility experts, uses a validated microbiome test to identify potential microbial indicators of treatment success or failure. With IVF success rates still hovering around 30–40% per cycle, researchers hope the findings will offer patients and clinicians new tools to improve fertility outcomes and reduce unexplained treatment failures.
Article:
💨 London’s Clean Air Zones Are Saving Lives — But Are We Breathing Safe Air Yet?
Emily Rose Adams: Journalist, Host & Creator of The Health Review
Last week, we reported that London’s Low Emission Zones (LEZ and ULEZ) are improving public health. But are these areas truly delivering significant health and economic benefits? Scientists say yes — a major study suggests these zones are saving lives and money.
However, we haven’t yet reached the World Health Organization’s recommended safe levels — and many Londoners are still being exposed to air that harms their health. As I write this, someone is inside my flat installing an enhanced carbon filtration system — a decision made purely because of the dangerously high levels of air pollution where I live in East London. And I’m far from alone in taking action. The air we breathe has long been linked to serious health consequences — but the recent research confirms that efforts to clean it up may finally be helping.
📊 Key Findings in Greater London Compared to Areas Without Low Emission Zones:
18.5% reduction in sick leave following LEZ implementation.
6.8% decrease in the incidence of health problems.
10.2% drop in respiratory issues.
Reported improvements in happiness, life satisfaction, and reduced anxiety.
Annual public health savings of over £37 million, driven by fewer respiratory illnesses and reduced job absenteeism.
These findings underscore the wide-ranging benefits of London’s LEZ and ULEZ policies, highlighting their impact on cleaner air, better wellbeing, and reduced pressure on the NHS.
🫁 The Human Cost of Air Pollution in London
While these numbers are encouraging, they come in the context of a devastating history of pollution-related illness and death in the capital.
In 2010, research from King’s College London estimated that approximately 9,400 premature deaths were linked to long-term exposure to air pollution in London.
In 2019, a 2021 report by Imperial College London found that between 3,600 and 4,100 deaths in Greater London were attributable to man-made air pollution.
These are not just numbers — they’re lives lost and families affected by a largely preventable issue.
🌍 Are London’s Air Pollution Levels Within WHO Recommended Limits?
Even with the progress driven by the LEZ and ULEZ, London’s pollution levels remain above the World Health Organization’s recommended thresholds. The WHO’s updated air quality guidelines, released in 2021, set tighter safety limits for pollutants like NO₂ and PM2.5, making clear that even low levels of exposure can harm health.
Recent monitoring shows:
Roadside NO₂ levels have fallen by 27% across the city since the ULEZ expansion.
PM2.5 emissions from vehicle exhausts are 31% lower in outer London than they would have been without the ULEZ.
But every London borough still exceeds WHO limits, meaning there’s more work to be done before the air we breathe can be considered truly safe.
🚶♀️ What This Means for the Future
As more cities look to London’s model, this study strengthens the argument for bold, clean air policies. LEZ and ULEZ aren’t just environmental tools — they’re public health measures, and the results speak for themselves.
Air pollution remains one of the UK’s leading avoidable causes of illness and early death. This research makes clear that reducing vehicle emissions can protect lungs, improve mental wellbeing, cut NHS costs, and keep more people in work. But to fully meet global health standards, we still need greater ambition, investment — and cleaner air for all.
The Health Review Podcast
Have You Checked Out The Podcast This Week?
Postpartum Recovery, Weight Loss & Staying Strong with Nutritionist & PT Lindsay Montgomery
In this week’s episode of The Health Review, I spoke with Lindsay Montgomery, certified nutritionist, personal trainer, and founder of LM Nutrition and Fitness about all things Postpartum Recovery, Weight Loss & Staying Strong.
With a background in sports nutrition and 15 years of experience helping women build strength and confidence, Lindsay shares practical and compassionate advice on postpartum recovery, getting fit before pregnancy, and how to create sustainable health habits - even when life is chaotic.
You'll hear:
How to build strength safely after giving birth
Tips to avoid postpartum depression
What to focus on before pregnancy
Her honest thoughts on weight loss and how to do it right
Small, realistic ways to boost your health and fitness
Whether you're a mum, planning a family, or just want to feel stronger in your body, this episode offers a fresh, realistic perspective on health.
Lindsay's website: www.lm-nutritionandfitness.com
If you love the episodes, please do subscribe and give the show a rating! 😊