What We’re Reading: J&J Allocates Talc Lawsuit Money; Infertility Affects 1 in 6 Adults; Predicting Children’s Obesity Risk

Johnson & Johnson Reserves $8.9B For Lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is setting aside almost $9 billion to settle lawsuits alleging that its talc-containing baby powder caused cancer, which is over 4 times more than what the company previously set aside for its possible liability, according to NPR. On Tuesday, a proposal was announced that a J&J subsidiary, LTL Management, will refile for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and pursue court approval for a plan that would be one of the biggest product-liability settlements in US history. This new amount is backed by more than 60,000 parties that filed lawsuits alleging harm from the talcum powder, according to J&J.

Infertility Affects 1 in 6 Adults Worldwide

Almost 1 in 6 adults have experienced infertility in their lifetime, according to a new study from the World Health Organization (WHO) that highlighted the shared strain of infertility worldwide, reported The Washington Post. Little variation was seen across economic levels, with higher-income countries showing infertility rates of almost 18% and low- to medium-income countries showing rates of almost 17%. Most studies in the report reflected data from female respondents. Increased levels of global obesity and delays in couples starting a family have resulted in higher infertility rates. Treatment cost is also a large burden, with 1 cycle of in vitro fertilization costing between $10,000 and $25,000.

Factors Beyond Pregnancy BMI Assessed to Identify Child’s Obesity Risk

More specific health measurements during pregnancy might better assess a child’s risk of obesity than obesity and diabetes in their mother, according to a report published in JAMA Network Open, reported STAT News. The new study found that insulin resistance was associated with the highest risk, compared with other traits like high cholesterol and triglycerides. The insulin resistance risk was even higher than those associated with prepregnancy obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and with diabetes diagnosed in gestation. In the study, insulin resistance was linked to almost a 5-fold higher risk of obesity in children and a 9-fold higher risk of high fat mass in children.