VA’s Office of Research and Development recently published three News Briefs highlighting research findings on Veteran mortality, weight loss and heart failure.
Lower mortality rates for service members and Veterans, but suicide risk remains high
VA and Naval Health Research Center researchers found Veterans and service members had lower risk of death from natural causes, accidents and homicides than the general population. However, Women Veterans and service members were 65% more likely to die by suicide than women in the general population, and their use of firearms in suicide deaths was almost 300% times greater. Males Veterans’ rate of suicide was slightly lower than in the general population, though the use of firearms was 33% higher. As part of the Millennium Cohort Study, the researchers examined data on more than 200,000 Veterans and service members from between 2001 and 2018, about 3,000 of whom had died. The findings demonstrate the need for continued focus on lethal means safety related to firearms, especially for Women Veterans. View the full study from “BMC Public Health.”
Semaglutide effective for weight loss
Eastern Colorado VA researchers found that Veterans who were prescribed semaglutide, a GLP-1 inhibitor, in a VA weight management clinic had an average of 10% weight loss and improvements in body mass index, blood pressure, “bad” cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar after one year.
Researchers retrospectively followed 201 Veterans prescribed semaglutide specifically for weight loss rather than for diabetes or other medical conditions, and who were also provided nutritional counseling and a weight-loss program that included exercise and physical health practices. In addition to measurable health improvements, the Veterans also reported improvements in their overall quality of life. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of GLP-1 inhibitors in a VA weight management program, suggesting the medications could be an effective addition to obesity and cardiovascular disease treatments. View the full study from the “Journal of General Internal Medicine.”
Magnesium supplements improve heart failure outcomes
VA researchers from Washington, D.C., and Providence, Rhode Island, demonstrated taking over-the-counter magnesium supplements was associated with a 19% reduced risk of hospitalization or death in Veterans with heart failure. The study examined the electronic health records of almost 20,000 Veterans newly diagnosed with heart failure, half of whom showed documented use of magnesium supplements, and it followed the patients for five years.
Magnesium is important for maintaining normal heart rhythm, and people with heart failure are at increased risk of magnesium deficiency. The benefits of magnesium supplementation were especially pronounced for those aged 80 or older and those with sustained magnesium use. The results suggest over-the-counter magnesium supplements could be a low-cost way to improve the health of people with heart failure. View the full study from the journal “Nutrients.”
For more Office of Research and Development updates, visit ORD online or go to https://www.research.va.gov/news_briefs/.
Topics in this story
More Stories
VA Research recently published three News Briefs highlighting findings on suicide risk, mortality, and coronary angiography and arthritis.
VA Research recently published findings on Alzheimer's disease, returning Veterans to home after nursing care, and pancreatic cancer.
VA Research recently published findings on respiratory syncytial virus vaccines, a potential heart disease treatment, and health care for homeless Veterans.
Hello,
I find this study extremely interesting yet nowhere in the study is it mentioned what amount of the Magnesium supplement is introduced per individual studied. Most expected is the recommended amount by the FDA but unfortunately the mean age of the Veterans STUDY is 72 years old. It is extremely beneficial to address the concern a heart disease as obviously the leading cause of death in Our Country. I find it extremely valuable info yet recognize the importance of proper nutrition and weight management, exercise to contribute to overrall health is a lifelong journey of habits. We are the Most advanced Country in the World as in Medicine and Education yet we are the most obese with a longevity age much lower than other several nations.
Please continue to keep those Who Served this Incredible Nation Healthy by most importantly ALSO
promoting studies on proper nutrition. We NEED Higher Standards on eliminating Junk-Processed Food as many Americans struggle with Healthy food choices and Must choose between medication/Health Care and Proper Food Choices. As processed junk is inexpensive and is killing our nation. Thank You VA for having Whole Health as a part of our Veterans Hospitals. PLEASE EXPAND!!
These type of studies ought to be conducted at even younger ages as heart issues dont just start in our 80’s and 90’s… Having worked in Health care and with older populations and with Veterans, I am personally extremely Interested in such Studies and Cardio=Pulmonary Health. Thank you for posting this STUDY. Please count me in any further info and consider me to participate in any future studies. Thank you.