ConsumerAffairs

GLP-1 drugs may help reduce binge-eating symptoms in some people, according to emerging research from Florida State University. Researchers found that some people with bulimia release less of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone after eating. The findings suggest binge eating may involve biological factors in addition to psychological ones.

Recall Roundup: New warnings on toys, food, furniture and more This roundup covers newly announced recalls and safety warnings from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration. SHEIN is recalling spiral stacking toys for young children because the products contain banned small balls that can cause a deadly choking emergency. The toys violate the small ball ban for products intended for children under age 3, creating a serious choking hazard.

A study of nearly 700,000 people found an association between severe mental illness and dementia across every age group studied. Adults ages 30 to 39 with severe mental illness had more than 20 times the odds of dementia compared with those without a psychiatric diagnosis. Stroke risk was also higher among people with severe mental illness, with the strongest association appearing among adults ages 40 to 49. Dementia and stroke are often thought of as conditions that primarily affect older adults.

Wildfire smoke is undoing some of the progress the U.S. has made in cleaning up its air. Poor air quality can affect spending, workplace productivity, and healthcare costs. Researchers found wildfire smoke has erased about one-quarter of previous air-quality improvements in many states. When wildfire smoke rolls into a community, the most obvious concern is usually the air itself. But smoky skies can affect more than how easily people breathe.

Amazon raised prices on a long list of devices: The Echo Dot is jumping from $49.99 to $79.99, while the Kindle 16GB jumped higher by $40. Don't assume Amazon has the best price: Other retailers like Target may still have inventory available at the old prices. Waiting could pay off: Amazon says it plans to run promotions across its device lineup throughout the year so pay attention to deals as we approach the holidays. Thinking about buying an Echo, Kindle, or Fire TV?

U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs in August, far exceeding the average monthly gain of 31,000 over the previous year. Restaurants and bars added the most jobs, followed by local government education, while manufacturing and healthcare posted smaller gains. The information sector lost 23,000 jobs, with cuts affecting data processing, publishing, and broadcasting.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.71%, up from 6.66% last week. The 15-year fixed rate increased to 6.04%, while both rates remained higher than a year ago. Freddie Mac said purchase demand has remained relatively stable as buyers adjust to changing market conditions. Mortgage rates moved higher again this week, increasing the cost of financing a home as the fall housing market gets underway. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.71% as of Sept.

Major automakers are urging Congress to permanently ban Chinese connected vehicles, software and hardware from the U.S. market. The industry says government-subsidized Chinese vehicles threaten American manufacturing and could expose drivers’ personal and location data. A ban could protect U.S. auto jobs but also prevent consumers from gaining access to lower-priced Chinese electric vehicles.

One lot of Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend has been recalled because it may contain a harmful strain of E. coli. The recalled 10-ounce bags have lot code 6040 01-6, a “Best If Used By” date of Feb. 9, 2028, and UPC 7874211226. Consumers should not eat the berries. They should throw them away or return them to Walmart for a full refund. A recall of frozen organic blueberries has expanded to include one lot of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold at Walmart stores in 16 states.

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition affecting an estimated one or two mothers for every 1,000 births. Symptoms can develop rapidly and include hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, paranoia, mania and an inability to recognize that something is wrong. Most patients do not become violent and recover with treatment, but documented cases involving suicide and the deaths of children show why the condition requires immediate medical care.