UCL study warns of safety risks in menopause supplements

Key nutrients missing: Half of menopause supplements studied lacked vitamin D and less than a quarter contained calcium, despite both being recommended for bone health.

Potential health hazards: Some products contain black cohosh, linked to liver toxicity, or excessive vitamin D, which can cause vomiting, confusion and organ damage.

Call for regulation: Researchers urge clinical trials and tighter oversight to curb misinformation and protect women from ineffective or harmful products.

UCL study flags safety risks in popular menopause supplements

University College London researchers analysed 201 menopause supplements from nine UK retailers, revealing wide variation in ingredients, doses and prices. Half lacked vitamin D and only 23.9% contained calcium, both recommended by menopause societies for bone health. Many products instead featured herbs, vitamins and phytoestrogens, with some botanicals such as black cohosh carrying known risks of liver toxicity, and excessive vitamin D intake posing potential for harmful calcium imbalances. 

Ingredient Type

Prevalence in Products

Common Examples

Potential Health Risks

Herbs

80%

Red clover, Sage

Some may carry liver toxicity (e.g., black cohosh)

Vitamins

77%

Vitamin B6

Excessive intake can cause high calcium levels, vomiting, confusion

Phytooestrogens

74%

Soy derivatives, Red clover

May affect hormone-sensitive conditions

Vitamin D

50%

Vitamin D3

Excessive intake can lead to high calcium levels and organ damage

Calcium

23.9%

Calcium carbonate

Deficiency may affect bone health; excessive intake can cause adverse effects.

Why these findings matter for millions of women

Around 13 million women in the UK are perimenopausal or menopausal, with about 80% experiencing symptoms like hot flushes, brain fog and mood changes. While hormone replacement therapy is the main treatment, many turn to supplements for relief, often influenced by marketing that is not backed by scientific evidence. The study warns that misinformation and high prices—up to £95 a month—could lead women to spend substantially on products with unproven benefits and possible health risks. 

Experts warn of 'menopause gold rush' fuelled by misinformation

Lead author Professor Joyce Harper described a 'menopause gold rush', with companies targeting mid‑life women and influencers promoting products without scientific backing. This trend risks spreading misinformation and diverting consumers from evidence‑based care. Experts note many active ingredients in menopause supplements are available in cheaper general multivitamins or herbal products, and that a balanced diet may provide similar nutritional benefits without the risks. The Independent +4

Recent cases and regulatory alerts highlight ongoing risks

Case reports, such as a suspected supplement‑induced eosinophilic ascites, and regulatory advisories on botanicals like ashwagandha and black cohosh, illustrate real‑world health risks. These range from rare but severe liver injury to gastrointestinal symptoms and potential drug interactions. Authorities advise stopping use and seeking medical attention if symptoms like jaundice, dark urine or unusual fatigue occur, underscoring the need for consumer vigilance and professional guidance.

Supplement

Reported Adverse Event

Population/Case

Regulatory/Guidance Notes

Black cohosh

Liver toxicity, jaundice, fatigue

Multiple cases including 52- and 54-year-old women

UK packaging warns to stop if liver symptoms appear; avoid in pregnancy and liver disease

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Liver injury, gastrointestinal symptoms

Reported in Australia and internationally; some hospitalizations

TGA advises stopping use if symptoms occur; very rare risk

Soy isoflavones

Abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine lining changes

High-dose intake (>40g/day) in postmenopausal women

Caution in hormone-sensitive conditions; moderate dietary intake considered safe

St. John’s Wort

Serotonin syndrome, drug interactions, dizziness

Included in some menopause formulas

Can interact with tamoxifen, blood thinners, contraceptives; monitor closely

Red ginseng

Vaginal bleeding

Postmenopausal women in clinical studies

Monitor for unexpected bleeding; evaluate for serious conditions.

Common pesticide found to cause hidden brain damage

 Chlorpyrifos, a chlorinated organophosphate (CPF), is among the most widely used insecticides worldwide. In the United States, it remains a fixture in agriculture, showing up in nonorganic fruits, vegetables, grains, and even in the air and dust near farm fields, despite a ban on residential use since 2001. Globally, its use continues at scale.

Now, researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health have uncovered troubling evidence: prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos is linked to measurable changes in brain structure and reduced motor skills in children and teens growing up in New York City.

As scientists uncover the hidden costs of this everyday chemical, the focus shifts from what’s on our plates to what’s affecting the future health of our children.

A 1960s pesticide icon

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) was introduced in 1965 by Dow Chemical and quickly became one of the most widely used pesticides in agriculture. Valued for its ability to kill insects on crops like corn, soybeans, and fruit, it was also sprayed in homes and schools for decades.

From farming staple to public health concern

Its popularity spread rapidly thanks to its effectiveness and low cost, making it a staple of modern farming. But as research advanced, scientists began linking long-term exposure to serious health risks, especially in children.

Hidden health risks

A number of studies soon revealed that CPF exposure can harm the brain and nervous system, leading to lower IQ, developmental delays, and behavioral problems in children, even at low levels over time.

Uncovering the hidden impact of CPF

And now, a groundbreaking study led by Columbia University, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and USC’s Keck School of Medicine is the first to show that prenatal exposure to CPF leaves lasting molecular and metabolic changes in the human brain.

How CPF travels through the body

When pesticides enter our bodies through food, touch, or air, pregnant women face a unique risk: CPF can cross the placenta, reaching the fetus at up to four times the levels found in maternal tissues, and then penetrate the developing brain.

What animal studies tell us about pesticides

Animal studies reveal that even low-level exposure to CPF and similar pesticides, below the dose that harms insects, can disrupt brain development. 

What animal studies tell us about pesticides

In rodents, it hinders neuron growth, interferes with synapse formation, and even triggers cell death.

What CPF does to the brain

Early exposure to CPF appears especially harmful to glial cells, the brain’s support network. Studies show it first triggers abnormal growth and swelling, and later leads to widespread scarring known as astrogliosis.

The brain’s “support crew”

While neurons handle the electrical signals that let us think, move, and feel, glial cells keep everything running smoothly. They nourish neurons, clear away waste, and help repair damage. Think of them as the maintenance team that keeps the brain’s communication network in top shape.

What is astrogliosis?

Astrogliosis, a type of scarring in the brain that may result from early exposure to CPF, occurs when glial cells swell and multiply, forming a dense web of tissue. While this response is meant to protect the brain, excessive scarring can disrupt healthy function.

How CPF disrupts the brain at a cellular level

Researchers say CPF harms the brain by sparking stress inside cells, fueling inflammation, disrupting energy production in mitochondria, and altering how brain cells respond to growth signals.

Tracking CPF exposure

The study tracked 270 children from the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health birth cohort. All were born in New York City to Latino and African-American mothers, offering a deeper look at the communities most often exposed to environmental risks.

Chemicals at birth, effects years later

Every child in the study showed traces of CPF in their umbilical cord blood at birth. Years later, between ages six and 14, researchers followed up with brain scans and behavioral tests to track possible impacts.

Exposure leaves its mark

The findings revealed a distinct trend: children exposed to higher levels of the insecticide before birth showed more significant changes in both brain structure and function compared to their peers.

How early exposure shapes the brain

Building on earlier evidence that prenatal CPF exposure can disrupt skills like intelligence, focus, and socialization, researchers predicted strong links to brain regions tied to these abilities.

Dose matters in brain impact

Prenatal exposure to CPF was found to alter brain structure, function, and even metabolism. The higher the exposure, the greater the disruption, pointing to a clear dose-response effect.

Farm use persists

For this group of children, indoor pesticide use was the primary source of exposure. While the EPA banned chlorpyrifos in households back in 2001, the chemical is still widely used in farming, especially on non-organic produce and grains.

A decline after the ban

After the household ban, CPF exposure steadily fell. Products were pulled from shelves, leftover supplies ran out, and carbamate-based pesticides largely took their place in American homes.

Exposure beyond the home

But even with the household ban in place, farm workers and nearby communities remain at risk. Ongoing agricultural use means CPF can drift into the air and dust, leaving those close to fields exposed.

Air pollution shows a parallel story

Earlier work with this same group of children revealed nearly identical results tied to prenatal exposure to air pollution, reinforcing the idea that environmental factors can also shape brain development from the very beginning.

CPF’s unique impact

The study shows CPF affects the brain on its own. Its influence didn’t overlap with air pollution, and the results stayed the same even after factoring in other pollutants.

A common pathway of harm

Even though these chemicals are different, many harm the brain in similar ways. Studies show that inflammation and cell damage are key, whether the exposure comes from CPF pesticides, air pollution (PM2.5), or pollutants from burning fuels (PAHs).

Protecting the most vulnerable

Virginia Rauh, ScD, senior author of the study, warns that current exposure levels still endanger farm workers, pregnant women, and unborn children. She stresses the need to closely monitor vulnerable groups, especially expectant mothers in farming communities, since their infants remain at risk.

Caution across pesticides

Other organophosphate pesticides may cause similar harm, making it crucial to limit exposure during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood, times when the brain grows quickly and is most vulnerable to toxic chemicals.

Study scope and limitations

There are some limitations to the study. With participants drawn from urban Dominican and African-American mothers and their children, the results might not represent experiences in other communities or regions.

Addressing potential selection bias

Some selection bias was possible, since not all cohort members were reached or agreed to MRI scans. Still, participants were similar to the full group in demographics and long-term cognitive outcomes, so bias appears limited.

Risks may outweigh benefits

There's no doubt: pesticides such as CPF may boost crop yields, but mounting evidence shows they can damage brain development, harm wildlife, and contaminate soil and water, posing risks far beyond the fields.

Safer farming practices take root

Fortunately, farmers are slowly embracing integrated pest management, crop rotation, and natural predators to fight pests. These revolutionary methods cut back on chemicals while safeguarding harvests, proving that healthier farming is achievable close to home.

Farming for a sustainable tomorrow

Farmers worldwide are testing organic practices, biopesticides, and precision tools. By blending natural solutions with modern technology, they’re paving the way toward cleaner water, healthier food, and a future built on sustainability.

Tim Spector says simple tweak in your cooking can 'slash cholesterol'

 

A leading health guru has revealed that spending just 10 minutes on one simple kitchen trick before cooking could dramatically cut cholesterol levels and slash your risk of heart disease. Professor Tim Spector, who is one of the founders of the ZOE diet app who became a household name during the Covid pandemic, has shared his game-changing advice for anyone using chopped onion and garlic in their cooking.

The expert insists that letting these ingredients sit for 10 minutes before they hit the heat can supercharge levels of a powerful chemical that tackles cholesterol head-on. Speaking to The i, Prof Spector explained how this straightforward technique also helps keep blood sugar levels steady.

The professor's guidance forms part of his top dietary tips, where he highlighted: "Onion and garlic, as well as cabbage and broccoli, are good sources of sulforaphane, a chemical that has been shown to improve glucose control and cholesterol levels."

He explained that the cooking process wipes out an enzyme called mirosinase, which is crucial for producing sulforaphane. But by giving vegetables a five to 10-minute breather before cooking, the sulforaphane gets "activated" and survives the heat treatment.

Prof Spector also dished out another clever meal-planning strategy, revealing: "There is emerging evidence that eating salads or other vegetables as starters ten minutes or so before you have a carbohydrate-rich meal can help to keep you fuller for longer and reduce blood sugar spikes from the starchy food."

The diet expert also recommended Brits incorporate more fermented foods into their diets, such as kimchi. He praised vinegar for its role in salad dressings, explaining that its acidity helps stabilise blood sugar levels, keeping you feeling satisfied between meals and reducing the temptation to snack.

Other tips included swapping processed stock cubes for miso paste and cooking tomatoes in extra-virgin olive oil to extract more nutrients. Prof Spector shared his personal preference: "I drizzle and spread extra virgin olive oil on my toast rather than butter, for greater health benefits. This is what they do in Spain, and it tastes delicious."

He suggested a healthier breakfast alternative: "Instead of quickly reaching for cereal, have full-fat Greek yoghurt topped with nuts, seeds, and berries. It contains less sugar, and the toppings will help you reach your 30 plants a week. Research shows people who eat 30 different plants a week tend to have a more diverse gut microbiome than those who eat 10. A flourishing microbiome can help the body fight infections, reduce the risk of autoimmune disease, and regulate appetite and body weight.

"Eating the rainbow not only supports your gut health and reduces the risk of disease, it also enriches your diet with a greater range of flavours and textures (and will help you reach your 30 plants a week target too). A simple and cheap way is to buy pre-mixed combinations; packs of multi-coloured peppers are a good example, as are combinations of other root vegetables, or mixed nuts and seeds."

Shocking pictures show pale and gaunt Putin as Kremlin has 'no plan for his death'

 Grim new images of a pale, gaunt Vladimir Putin have fuelled fresh health rumours, exposing a far more dangerous truth: the Kremlin has no plan for his death. The 73-year-old president appears markedly thinner and drained in recent photographs, including one showing him meeting election chief Ella Pamfilova in Moscow.

The pictures have reignited speculation about Putin's physical condition after years of swirling rumours. Yet the greater crisis, according to a leading Russia expert, is political. Dr Julian G Waller, a research scientist in Russian studies at the Centre for Naval Analyses, warns in Foreign Affairs that Putin has deliberately built a system with no succession mechanism, writing: "Putin will eventually leave office, whether by death, illness, or - against all observable inclinations - stepping aside. But what happens then is unclear."

The absence of any clear handover arrangements risks plunging Russia into chaos. Dr Waller outlines several grim possibilities: a rushed and contested transfer of power, a chaotic struggle among elites long denied the top job, or continued decay under the ageing clique that currently surrounds the dictator.

Unlike other post-Soviet leaders who prepared family successors or formal rules, Putin has sent no such signals. He clings to power while surrounding himself with a tight circle of elderly loyalists.

Constitutionally, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin would assume temporary control if Putin dies or becomes incapacitated. However, Dr Waller notes that Mishustin lacks an independent power base and would struggle to convert caretaker status into permanent authority.

Real influence, the expert argues, would instead fall to a "shadowy mob" of Putin's oldest allies - men in their seventies who form the regime's security backbone.

They include spy chief Alexander Bortnikov, 74; National Guard head Viktor Zolotov, 72; Security Council secretary Sergei Shoigu, 71; and General Valery Gerasimov, 70. These figures have spent decades blocking younger talent from rising, creating a dangerous bottleneck of frustrated subordinates with little governing experience.

Dr Waller said: "Long-obstructed subordinates, lacking governing experience, will be thrust into these roles - or the sudden vacancy will spur a scramble among discontented insiders who will want to muscle each other out of the way. This is a recipe for potential chaos and could lead to dangerous missteps during the careful dance of coordinating a leadership transition."

The warning comes as Russia remains locked in a grinding war in Ukraine and faces mounting economic pressure. Any sudden leadership vacuum could trigger not only elite infighting but also wider instability, including risks of miscalculation with the West.

Putin has ruled Russia for more than two decades, systematically dismantling independent institutions and personalising power. The result, Dr Waller concluded, is a regime uniquely unprepared for the inevitable. The pale, gaunt figure now appearing in official photographs serves as a stark visual reminder that time is running out - and that the Kremlin has done nothing to prepare for the day it arrives.

With no designated heir and an ageing elite clinging to the levers of power, Russia stands on the brink of a potentially explosive transition. The pictures of Putin may shock, but the absence of any plan for his death is the real alarm.

Former Russian commander offers grim assessment of Putin's strategy

 Scary plans

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the majority of direct conflict has occurred within Ukraine. However, the ramifications of this war extend well beyond the immediate combat zones. With major international players such as China, North Korea, the European Union, and the United States escalating their involvement, the situation has become markedly more complex. This deepening global engagement has clouded the conflict's trajectory, rendering its future outcomes increasingly unpredictable.

Leaked documents give insight into Putin's plans

The world watches with apprehension, asking the question no one wants answered: if Moscow were to push the war westward, which cities would fall within its crosshairs first?

'Big colossal war'

You might never have heard of Russian lawmaker Andrey Gurulyov. However, the retired general, who currently serves as a deputy in the Russian legislature, claims Russia is arming up for a “big colossal war”.

In case of a new world war...

On July 24, 2024, Gurulyov spoke on the state-run channel Russia-1 about what would be Putin’s targets in the case of a new World War.

Escalation

Sky News highlighted that Gurulyov, a deputy of the State Duma and member of the legislature’s defense committee, speculated this global conflict might result from the escalation of a blockade on Kaliningrad.

A little bit of Russia in the Baltic

Kaliningrad is a Russian port enclave in the Baltic, between the NATO countries of Poland and Lithuania. This makes communications and supply a tricky matter, to say the least.

The Suvalkovksy Corridor

Experts wondered if Russia should try to create a corridor, dubbed the Suvalkovsky Corridor, to connect Kaliningrad with the rest of the country.

Russian troops and NATO armies

The retired general, according to The Sun, argued that this was a trap that would surround Russian troops with enemy armies. However, actions should be taken if NATO blockades Kaliningrad.

Star wars

The first logical step, according to Gurulyov, would be disabling the enemy’s satellite system.

'We would see them all as NATO'

“No one would care if they are American or British. We would see them all as NATO”, comments Gurulyov, as quoted by The Daily Mail.

Anti-missile attack

Secondly, mitigate the enemy’s anti-missile system “everywhere and 100%”, added Gurulyov.

Target: London

“We certainly wouldn’t start with Paris, Warsaw or Berlin”, said Gurulyov to the reporters of Russia-1. “The first hit would be London. It's crystal clear that the threat to the world comes from the Anglo-Saxons”.

Disabling Europe

“As part of the operation to destroy critically important sites, Western Europe will be cut off from power supplies and immobilized”, declared the former military officer. The Sun points out that, like many other Russian hardliners, Gurulyov believes the European Union is too soft to engage in an actual war.

America joins the room

Gurulyov speculated on how the United States would manage to keep Europe fighting without food or power and how long Washington, D.C. would manage to avoid conflict.

Some assembly required

“This is the rough plan”, Gurulyov declared, adding that “I deliberately leave out certain moments because they are not to be discussed on TV”.

Russia's hit list

In another TV program, the retired general enumerated the possible countries that Russia might be forced to engage next: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.

Armchair general?

Keep in mind that although Gurulyov serves as a deputy in the State Duma (pictured) and is part of the legislature’s defense committee, as The Daily Mail highlights, he no longer is an active member of the military. His statements should be taken with a grain of salt.

More questions than answers

However, his closeness with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle earned him sanctions from the United States. So there’s much to speculate about how much Andrey Gurulyov knows and how much he wants us to believe.

The real situation of Russia's economy

 

Warnings emerge from Western analysts claiming that Russia’s economy is teetering on the brink of collapse. Allegations that the Kremlin is manipulating official data, combined with international sanctions, inflation, and underperforming debt, have raised serious concerns. While it's clear Russia is under pressure, some economists argue that signs of a full-blown implosion remain inconclusive.

Russia's assault on Ukraine

In 2026, the world marked the fourth year of Russia’s assault on Ukraine. With Trump’s return to office, Ukraine is concerned about its support from the American government as the new administration seeks to end the conflict as soon as possible.

Oil and gas exports

Russia’s resilient and strong economy, particularly its oil and gas exports, has consistently been referenced as a point that allows the nation to remain in an advantageous position.

Is Russia's economy really stable?

Russia gives the impression that there is no bottom to its financial means. But is this true? Is Russia-s economy really the stable horse that it paints itself to be? Historian and economist Adam Tooze provides an overview of the arguments that are driving narratives about Russia's economy and the impact on war efforts.

Economic data

In November 2024, the Financial Times published a piece that questioned the economic data coming out of Russia. A subsequent article doubled down on this argument, casting greater doubt on the numbers.

Corporate borrowing

Global financial analyst Craig Kennedy, a leading expert on Russian economics, published data demonstrating how Russia has been conducting a great deal of corporate borrowing.

Subsidized loans

What does corporate borrowing mean? Essentially, these are loans that are provided at subsidized rates. This kind of activity allows nations to access financing for their war activities through legal means.

Keep up financing

Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently referenced his nation’s capacity to keep up financing for its war efforts, almost indefinitely.

Time is on his side

In his January 2025 Financial Times article, Martin Sandbu argues that Putin continues to reiterate to Ukraine’s allies that “time is on his side.” 

What’s the point of Putin's comments?

Putin wants to impress on the West more broadly that the only way to end the war between Russia and Ukraine is to concede to his will.

Misinformation

Pundits reduce many of Putin’s comments to misinformation. Some argue that Putin is merely driving a rhetoric to distort the pressure the nation is facing. Let’s look at some analytical perspectives.

Government officials

Sandbu references comments issued by Russian officials who are starting to feel the heat of Russia’s war efforts in their pockets. For example, Rostec (state defense) Chief Executive, Sergei Chemezov (pictured), stated that high credit rates were destroying his weapons exports activities.

More fragile

Analysts argue that the situation must be serious for Chemezov to speak publicly on the matter. It likely means that the picture that Putin paints of a financially stable and materially rich war effort is likely much more fragile than he states.

Debt

This concern is well reflected in Kennedy’s 2025 report, which notes a spike in Russian corporate debt. According to the report, the debt rate has increased by 71% just since 2022; a significant spike.

Lending

Russian banks are lending companies that are critical to government interests and services credit that is issued at below-market rates.

Money printing

Another way to see what’s happening, according to Sandbu, is that Russia is “engaged in massive money printing,” perhaps amounting to 20% of Russia’s overall output in 2023.

What does this do in a practical sense?

According to Tooze, some of the very real impacts on the Russian economy include: high inflation rates (official data puts inflation at 6%, but it’s likely much higher), reduction of diverse investment and borrowing options, and mounting debts (even worse—underperforming debts).

Sanctions

Coupled with increased sanctions that hit the Russian government at the tail end of 2024, Russia is certainly facing greater turmoil than it is letting on.

Ruble facing challenges

As of 2026, the Russian currency, the ruble, is facing new challenges with its value dropping. The ruble regained some strength after a drastic dip in 2023, but it is now seeing fluctuations and is expected to continue facing challenges throughout 2026. With limited options to stabilize the currency due to ongoing sanctions, Russia is now navigating a complex economic landscape.

How bad are things?

The risks Russia is taking on are certainly significant. Without the means to reign things in, perceptions of a stable Russian economy are deteriorating. But how bad is the actual situation?

Difficult answer

The key question remains: How strong is the Russian economy? The answer to which is, as highlighted by Tooze, difficult to pin down. 

Keynesian war economy

Tooze highlights how Russia responded to Western sanctions and the financial pressures of war by taking on what's called a “Keynesian war economy.” This just means that the economy is controlled by the government to make sure there are adequate resources to spend on war efforts.

Preventing the economy from collapse

Weapons, supplies, and soldiers, among other things, are all given a boost in spending to push the economy forward. Essentially, it allows for money to keep circulating, people to maintain employment, and prevents the economy from falling apart.

Underreporting spending

While Russia only claims to be spending eight percent of its budget on defense, this is likely, as noted by Kennedy and Sandbu, a grave underestimation. War efforts are not only likely being underreported, but they are certainly beyond the scope of public budgets.

Energy prices up

By boosting its energy prices in response to the pressures of international sanctions, Russia is also raking in high revenues from energy exports.

Production of weapons

A 2024 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace report highlights how Russia has significantly increased its production of weapons, including armored vehicles and military drones (pictured are fragments of a Russian-modified Molniya-2 drone).

Financial incentives for new recruits

Requiring tens of thousands of additional soldiers every month, Russia has also used a great deal of financial incentives to attract more enlistments, issuing heavy payouts.

Generating interest

As the war drags on, potential recruits are losing their eagerness to join the frontlines. Russia has even expanded soldier benefits benefits to include strategies that the American army sometimes uses, such as debt forgiveness and guaranteed compensation for deceased soldiers, among others. Pictured is a bus carrying Russian naval cadets.

Russia's ability to offset challenges

There is no doubt that sanctions have placed a great deal of pressure on the Russian economy, but the nation’s response has also been able to offset many of the challenges Western analysts claim to be crippling the Russian state.

Unemployment rates

Unemployment rates in Russia are just over 2%, as the nation continues to demand more workers to fulfill its needs. Household income is, too, increasing. Some of the nation’s poorest have seen an increase of nearly two-thirds since 2022 alone.

Is an implosion coming?

Is Russia’s economic growth stable? Is it as resilient as it seems or is it facing an implosion, as some analysts argue? Tooze points to the masterful capacity of the Russian government to deal with the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis.

How will this unfold?

With fewer risks today than in 2008, it seems that the nation knows what it’s doing in terms of balancing potential crises. At worst, its economy may be currently facing some sort of stagnation. How long can its economy continue in this format? This is what has yet to be seen.

Working from home linked to rising mental health problems, study finds

 Never made it back to the office after Covid? It could be taking a hidden toll on your wellbeing.

A new study suggests the shift from office working to working from home is linked to rising levels of psychological distress - with those living alone hit hardest.

Researchers found that employees in jobs that became more remote after the pandemic experienced a rise in mental health problems, compared with those who continued working on-site.

The study, published in the journal Science, analysed data from 588,322 people across five large US surveys conducted between 2011 and 2024 - excluding peak Covid years to avoid skewed results.

Experts compared healthcare use, including mental health treatment and antidepressant prescriptions, between workers in remote-friendly roles and those whose jobs required in-person attendance.

They found that people generally reported greater meaning in their work when it involved social interaction - something often missing in home-based roles.

Workers in remote jobs showed a small but notable rise in psychological distress in the years following the pandemic.

And the impact was significantly worse for those living alone, who experienced nearly double the increase in distress compared with people living with others.

Importantly, there was no corresponding rise in non-mental healthcare use - suggesting the trend was not simply due to people seeking more medical help overall.

The researchers estimated that the rise in remote work accounts for around one-third of the overall increase in psychological distress seen over the study period.

‘Remote work may therefore be considered a significant, but not the sole, contributor,’ the authors said.

They warned that while working from home can eliminate commuting and offer flexibility, it may also remove the everyday social interactions that help support emotional wellbeing.

‘Small daily interactions with coworkers - and even brief moments such as greeting a barista - may play an important role in maintaining mental health,’ they added.

Those living alone may be particularly vulnerable, as remote working can heighten feelings of isolation and reduce opportunities for social contact.

However, the researchers noted some limitations, including that the data focused solely on US workers and could not fully distinguish between fully remote and hybrid work patterns.

Data published in March also revealed there are 850,000 more people either receiving treatment or waiting to start care compared with January 2020.

Responding to the surge, Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, warned: ‘This is a human and economic catastrophe, costing the UK at least £118 billion a year.

‘Without an effective, co-ordinated “invest to save” approach, the mental health crisis will only get worse.’

A previous Norwegian study found people working from home more than 15 hours a week were more likely to drink alcohol than office-based colleagues.

Meanwhile, a 2021 survey by US recovery firm Sierra Tucson found one in five workers admitted using alcohol or drugs while working from home.