Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode we think about another year of imposed GP contract on practices in England, the BMA response and where it may lead.  In research, we have three fascinating new papers. Firstly, a paper examining how to maintain weight loss after a low-calorie diet – is structured exercise, liraglutide or both better than usual care? Secondly, in the BMJ a systematic review exploring whether exercise should be considered a genuine treatment for depression. And finally, in the NEJM, a study looking at the link between microplastics in carotid arterial plaques and subsequent risk of cardiac vascular events (hint: it’s not good news…). References BMA GP Contract Changes 2024/25 Pulse Editorial Lancet Discovery Science paper on weight loss maintenance Weight maintenance author interview BMJ Exercise and Depression NEJM Micro/nanoplastics in your arteries NEJM Microplastics editorial www.nbmedical.com/podcast