How ice cream might be good for you, hospitals' "dire" financial situation in four charts, and more make up the Daily Briefing's 10 most popular stories of 2023.

1. How ice cream can impact your health (hint: it might be good for you) (April 14)

Ice cream has typically been considered an indulgent dessert, but multiple studies have found that ice cream may be associated with various health benefits, David Merritt Johns reports for The Atlantic.

2. Hospitals' 'dire' financial situation, in 4 charts (April 26)

According to a report from the American Hospital Association, hospitals and health systems are facing significant financial pressures from rising expenses, including for labor, drugs, medical supplies and more. And without increased government support, the organization warns that patients' access to care could be at risk.

3. Do you have gray hair? This may be why. (April 24)

The vast majority of people between the ages of 45 and 65 have at least some gray hair — but what causes it? A study published in Nature revealed a new potential answer.

4. Women have a harder time losing weight in midlife. Here's why. (May 4)

Writing for the Wall Street Journal, Sumathi Reddy explains why women in their 40s and 50s are more likely to gain weight than men, the potential health risks of this weight gain, and what women can do to combat these extra midlife pounds.

5. Obesity specialists warn against 'bootleg' weight-loss drug (July 12)

Semaglutide, a weight-loss drug developed by Novo Nordisk, is currently in short supply due to high demand, leading some people to seek out "generic" or compounded versions of the drug instead, Sophie Putka reports for MedPage Today. But obesity specialists warn against using compounded semaglutide since its quality and safety cannot be guaranteed.

6. Are multivitamins a 'magic bullet' for memory? Here's what the evidence says. (May 31)

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals who take a daily multivitamin show "improved memory performance" compared with those who do not, Allison Aubrey writes for NPR's "Shots."

7. Another semaglutide side effect: Loss of muscle mass? (March 22)

In recent months, consumers have voiced concerns about potential side effects of semaglutide, a popular weight loss drug. Now, reports of muscle loss in many patients have heightened concern for some — but many experts argue that the "benefits outweigh the risks" for certain patients.

8. The 12 'hallmark' symptoms of long COVID (May 30)

As part of NIH's RECOVER trial on long COVID, researchers have developed a working case definition of the disease, outlining 12 "hallmark" symptoms to help scientists and clinicians identify long COVID more easily and investigate potential treatments.

9. The 5 potential health benefits of beer (April 25)

A survey of studies from Piedmont Healthcare has found that drinking beer may come with some health benefits, including lowering bad cholesterol and preventing kidney stones, Hunter Boyce reports for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

10. There may be health benefits associated with these drinks (April 17)

The beverage aisle in your local grocery store contains a slew of unhealthy options — but some drinks can actually help improve your health and well-being. Writing for U.S. News & World Report, Julie Upton and Ruben Castaneda outline the best drinks for gut health, brain health, relaxation, and hydration.