Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
FDA Approves Obesity-Fighting Device That Drains Food From Stomach
The Associated Press: FDA Approves Stomach Draining Obesity Treatment
A new weight loss device offers a novel approach to cutting calories: draining them from the stomach before they are fully digested. The AspireAssist system consists of a thin tube implanted in the stomach, connecting to an outside port on the skin of the belly. (Perrone, 6/14)
The Philadelphia Inquirer: FDA Approves 'Abdominal Vomiting' Weight-Loss Device
A weight-loss device lampooned on late-night TV as "machine-assisted abdominal vomiting" because it allows users to drain some of their stomach contents after eating has won federal approval. (Giordano, 6/15)
The Philadelphia Inquirer: Vitamin That Prevents Birth Defects Approved For Hispanic Diet Staple
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has agreed to let folic acid be added to corn masa flour, a change expected to spare Hispanic babies from devastating birth defects - and a change that some advocates say is long overdue. (McCullough, 6/15)
